The stands were packed on a cloudy Sunday at Oakland University as the Golden Grizzlies faced off against in-state rival the Michigan State Spartans. After a tough back and forth game between Oakland and Michigan State, the Spartans came out on top with a 2-0 win. 

Every seat was filled as the crowd set the second highest attendance record in program history, with 1,053 in attendance. As the rivalry game kicked off on Legacy and Alumni Day, the Golden Grizzlies had an aggressive start. For the first half of the game, Oakland took five out of their six total shots and marked four corner kicks as well. This effort and pressure was matched by last year’s game against the Spartans where the Golden Grizzlies took eight shots and had five corner kicks. 

Despite Oakland controlling the ball and taking lots of shots in the first half, the Spartans scored the first goal of the game in the 17th minute. Paige Webber of the Spartans scored her third goal of the year off of a deflection from a header. This would be the only goal of the first half. 

At halftime, the soccer team gave recognition to all of the alum and legacy families that have came through the women’s soccer program here on campus. With thunderous claps and cheers from all around, the crowd had a resurgence and was ready to jump back into the action. 

The second half was a trying half for both sides as there was not a single goal made until the 85th minute by Camryn Evans of Michigan State, who was assisted by the previous goal scorer, Paige Webber. This would be the game’s dagger and Michigan State would walk away from Oakland University with a win on the road, extending their winning streak to three.  

Coach Juan Pablo Favero commended the way his team played regardless of the outcome as they transition into Horizon League play. 

“I thought we came out so strong in the first half,” Favero said. “I thought we outplayed them in the first half for sure. The second half was a little dirty as far as possessions, we couldn’t keep the ball as much as we should’ve. We played amazing, though, and there were many positives we’ll take into this once as league play starts soon.”

The Golden Grizzlies start Horizon League play Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. against Youngstown State on their home field at Oakland. The game will be on  LGBTQIA+ Pride Night, sponsored in part by the Oakland University Credit Union.