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The Oakland University men’s soccer team remain undefeated this season, completing a weekend sweep on a pair of wins over Labor Day weekend in front of a large turnout from the crowd at home.
During a Friday night doubleheader with the women’s soccer team, the Golden Grizzlies defeated the Cleveland State University Vikings 1-0 in extra time.
During the first minute of extra time, Midfielder Johnny Dreshaj sealed the victory in walk-off fashion on a penalty kick.
Dreshaj, after missing a previous penalty kick attempt, continued to be aggressive and used the confidence Head Coach Eric Pogue displayed in the senior to nail the game winner.
“I’ve been taking penalty kicks my whole life, so it was cool that my coach and teammates had the confidence in me to take the shot,” Dreshaj said after the victory.
OU continued its strong play on defense anchored by Goalkeeper Scott Messer Sunday afternoon to run their record to 3-0 and continue the season undefeated after downing the University of Vermont 1-0.
Pressure by Vermont early contributed to a slow start in the first half with only two shots being attempted. The Golden Grizzlies made the necessary adjustments during halftime, coming out more aggressive in the second half with Senior Kyle Bethel scoring the game’s only goal.
“They came out firing and we were lucky not to give away a few goals early,” Pogue said. “It’s nice to get the win, but the key now is to be able to put together two complete halves together to get the win.”
Bethel, who scored his second goal of the year, along with his teammates didn’t mind the pressure and aggressive nature that Vermont looked to put on Oakland.
“It was fun … I enjoy that part of the game. Being able to knock guys around as long as it’s clean, that part of the game I enjoy,” Bethel said.
Messer, who completed his third straight shutout, stopped three shots and continues to praise the strong play of the team on defense after running his scoreless minutes streak to 270 minutes.
“We are all working together trying to be as organized as we can and communicate as much as possible,” Messer said on the joint effort.
Coach Pogue applauded the effort by his team on the aggressive nature along with the team effort on defense thus far this season.
“There are a lot of young players we’re trying right now. We continue to get good contributions from different guys, every team presents a different challenge and this team continues to persevere through tough times and work their way through it,” Pogue said.
Up next for the Golden Grizzlies will be a visit to the Dick Dlesk Stadium in Morgantown, Va. Sunday Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. The next home game to take place at OU Soccer Field will be against Duquesne Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.
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Contact Staff Intern Allen Jordan via email at ajordan2@oakland.edu
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