Oakland Looks to Lock Up Postseason Berth in Final Week

Oakland Looks to Lock Up Postseason Berth in Final Week

ROCHESTER, Mich. — The Oakland University women’s soccer team enters the final week of the regular season with a postseason berth on the line, hosting IU Indy on Saturday before traveling to Detroit Mercy next Wednesday.

The Golden Grizzlies (3-7-6, 2-2-4 Horizon League) currently hold sole possession of the sixth and final spot in the Horizon League Championship. With a win over IU Indy and a Robert Morris loss or draw, Oakland can officially clinch a place in the conference tournament.

Oakland is coming off a 3-2 win over Robert Morris, dominating the match with an 18-7 shot advantage and an 11-3 edge in shots on goal. The result marked a turning point for the Golden Grizzlies, who appear to be finding their rhythm at the right time.

Golden Grizzlies Host IU Indy

Oakland will close its home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 25, against IU Indy (3-11-2, 2-5-1 HL) at 3 p.m. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

The Jaguars enter the weekend on a three-match losing streak, most recently falling 1-0 at Green Bay after conceding a penalty kick in the ninth minute. Despite their record, IU Indy has been one of the most aggressive offensive teams in the conference, ranking third in total shots (223) and shots on goal (96).

Sophomore forward Keilah Muldrow leads the Jaguars with three goals and two assists. Junior Caroline Kelley has been a key playmaker with four assists and ranks second in the Horizon League with 45 total shot attempts.

Oakland holds a 20-5-1 all-time record against IU Indy but has dropped two of the last three meetings, including a 3-0 loss in last year’s matchup.

Metro Series Finale at Detroit Mercy

The Golden Grizzlies will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with their annual Metro Series rivalry match at Detroit Mercy. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN+.

The Titans (2-12-2, 0-6-2 HL) have been eliminated from postseason contention and enter the week winless in conference play. Detroit Mercy has scored just six goals in league competition—second-fewest in the Horizon League—while conceding 14.

Senior forward Abbey Lodato has been a bright spot for the Titans, ranking among the conference’s top five scorers with seven goals this season.

Oakland has won six of the last eight meetings with Detroit Mercy but will look to bounce back after dropping the last two. With postseason implications and Metro Series bragging rights on the line, Wednesday’s contest could prove one of the most competitive matchups of the season.

Up Next:Following the regular-season finale, the Horizon League Championship will begin next week, with dates and locations to be determined based on final standings.