Despite controlling the ball for a majority of the match, the Oakland men’s soccer team (3-3, 0-1) was shut out by Milwaukee (2-4-1, 1-0) in its homecoming and first league game of the season on Sept. 19.

Milwaukee freshman Fransesco Saportio netted the ball on a free kick in the second overtime period to end the game in front of the 1,528 fans in attendance on the breezy Saturday evening.

The physicality and intensity between players on the field heated up early and remained high throughout the night.

Four yellow cards – three of which were called on Oakland – were given in the first half alone. In the second half, even head coach Eric Pogue received a yellow card.

“It was a Horizon League grudge match you know, both teams fought,” Pogue said. “It was physical, it was a bit sluggish on our part I think and obviously I think they put their heart and soul in the game.”

Oakland also out-shot Milwaukee 11-4 in the first half, but neither team was able to finish despite having several opportunities to do so.

With six seconds remaining in regulation, Milwaukee missed a goal off the post. In the first overtime period, the Panthers also missed a shot on a wide-open net after the ball was rebounded off the crossbar.

Oakland struggled offensively too. The team was unable to net any of its shots and took just two shots on goal to Milwaukee’s five.

Goal keeper Elliot Tarney finished the game with four saves, three of which came in the first half. The goal was the first scored on Tarney in the last 196 minutes.

The Golden Grizzlies look to bounce back on their home pitch at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 when they face the University of Michigan.