Oakland University’s women soccer team was able to pull out a crucial 2-1 victory over Horizon League foe, Cleveland State University Saturday, Oct. 25.

The second to last game of the season was a Blackout night where fans were encouraged to wear black to the game. The first 100 fans also received a free Oakland black beanie.

The Golden Grizzlies were led by sophomore Alice Porter, who had two goals in the game, giving her five on the season. Porter was able to put the team up early when she converted on a penalty kick just 1:58 into the game.

Oakland dominated possession of the ball most of the game, but the CSU Vikings got on the board with a late first half goal off a corner kick. The game was tied at halftime, but the Golden Grizzlies struck early in the first half as Porter scored again from a Joan Sieja assist. OU was able to hang on as the Vikings had some chances late.

“I thought we started out the game really well by scoring as early as we did. We created a decent amount of chances early,” Oakland head coach Margaret Saurin said. “I thought we dominated in terms of possession and creating chances, but Cleveland State fought all the way to the end. They had that free kick with two minutes left in the game which is tough for coaches, but I think the girls did a wonderful job controlling the game.”

The victory improved OU’s record to 5-10-2, with a Horizon League record of 3-3-1. The victory moves the Golden Grizzlies into fifth place in the Horizon League standings, and Cleveland State is now sixth. OU will finish its regular season with senior night at home on Friday against Wright State at 7 p.m.

“Obviously going into the last game of the regular season we really need to make sure our players are fit, healthy and feeling fresh for the game, which I think is really important for this point in the season,” Saurin said. “We know it is going to be another battle like tonight was because Wright State is very good. We are just happy that we are going to be playing the game here and finishing up the regular season on home turf.”

Wright State has an identical 3-3-1 Horizon League record, with a 6-9-1 record overall. This is the only meeting between these two schools this season. OU fell to the Raiders 2-1 last season.