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ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Golden Grizzlies approach the end of the regular season ready to make their final push for a spot in the Horizon League Tournament, starting their final three-game stretch with a match at Northern Kentucky.

 

Oakland has gone unbeaten in its last four conference matches, putting together a string of strong performances. In their last outing, they played to a 1-1 draw with Robert Morris in a game that was extended due to a weather delay.

The Golden Grizzlies’ offense has flourished as conference play has continued. The team ranks first in shots (83), shots per game (13.83), shots on goal (36), and shots on goal per game (6.0).

On the defensive end, starting goalkeeper Cole Thompson has also been solid for Oakland. In Horizon League play, he ranks fifth in saves per game (3.67). Combined with stellar play from defenders Jace Foster, Malik Sylvester, and Miller Knestrict, Oakland still has the potential to fight its way into the Horizon League Championship and make a deep postseason run.

Currently in the eighth spot with six points, Oakland is just one point away from potentially rising into postseason position, sitting just below Detroit Mercy and Green Bay, who both have seven points.

Their next test comes on the road against the Norse, who are currently in fifth place with eight points. Northern Kentucky (4-7-3, 2-2-2) sits fifth in the conference. NKU has won two of its last three matches but is coming off a 1-0 loss to Duquesne. The Norse have eight conference points, just two more than Oakland, and could be jumped in the standings by the Golden Grizzlies with a loss.

Throughout the season, NKU has hung its hat on the defensive end, having allowed the fourth-fewest goals (16) in the conference. Norse keeper Alex Kron is tied for the most saves in the conference (44).

Offensively, the Norse have struggled to find the net, scoring just 13 times — the second-fewest total in the Horizon League.

The big-time, late-season matchup takes place in Highland Heights, Ky., on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m.