OAKLAND EARNS FIRST HORIZON LEAGUE WIN WITH 3-1 VICTORY OVER PURDUE FORT WAYNE

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OAKLAND EARNS FIRST HORIZON LEAGUE WIN WITH 3-1 VICTORY OVER PURDUE FORT WAYNE

By National Soccer Network Staff

ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland broke through for its first Horizon League win of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Purdue Fort Wayne 3-1 at the Oakland Soccer Field. The Golden Grizzlies unleashed a relentless offensive performance, outshooting the Mastodons 24-8 and scoring twice in the second half to secure the result.

Oakland came out on the front foot from the opening whistle, generating early chances through Isabella Bierod and Brae Cole. Despite the early momentum, Purdue Fort Wayne struck first in the 17th minute as Cyann Retzloff found the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Grizzlies responded before halftime when Alli Leonard converted from the penalty spot in the 31st minute — her first goal of the season. Goalkeeper Maryn Weiger made key stops late in the half to keep the match level heading into the break.

In the second half, Oakland’s pressure intensified. Bailey Giddings and Bierod both tested PFW goalkeeper Jordan Imes, who made a standout save on a Kimee Liu effort in the 61st minute. The breakthrough came 11 minutes later when Liu slotted home the go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute, finishing through traffic off a pass from Leonard.

Momentum stayed with Oakland as Rose Gevanthor extended the lead in the 75th minute, firing home a long-range strike from outside the 18-yard box — her second career goal and first of the season. The Mastodons pushed for a late response, but Weiger closed the match strong, recording four saves to preserve the 3-1 win.

Oakland’s three-goal output marked its second-highest total of the year, trailing only the four-goal showing against Mercyhurst on August 21.

Stat Leaders:

• Kimee Liu: 1 goal (game-winner), 4 shots (3 on goal)

• Alli Leonard: 1 goal, 1 assist, 7 shots (3 on goal)

• Rose Gevanthor: 1 goal, 1 assist

• Maryn Weiger: 4 saves

Up Next:Oakland (1-6-4, 1-1-2 Horizon League) continues its homestand on Wednesday, Oct. 9, hosting Green Bay at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Soccer Field in Rochester.

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