The Oakland University’s men soccer team (0-5-0) was unable to pull out a victory against the Incarnate Word Cardinals in the Golden Grizzlies’ first fall homecoming game in six years, falling 2-1 in overtime. 

The Saturday night homecoming event drew 1,829 attendees, the second largest crowd ever for an OU men’s soccer game. Festivities included a barbecue and various games in the parking structure right next to the field, Detroit Pistons’ Drum line performances, t-shirt giveaways and even a chance for one student and one alumnus to win a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

In order for the contestants to win the car, they had to kick a soccer ball into the driver’s side window from 35 yards away; neither participant was able to land the shot.

Oakland’s last six Homecoming games took place in the winter, well after the soccer season, making the game a unique experience.

“It’s a great opportunity to have homecoming come to the fall because I think it is an exciting time for the university,” OU head coach Eric Pogue said. “With all the new buildings, new president and new athletic director I think it’s a great opportunity to have a celebration in the fall. I know our players were excited to play in front of a big crowd and to celebrate all the great things we have going on at Oakland.”

Gerald Ben scored the lone Golden Grizzly goal off of a penalty kick late in the first half but UIW quickly responded with a goal in the 50^th minute of play. UIW scored the game-winning goal in the seventh minute of extra time,giving OU their fifth loss of the season.

OU came into the game losing two straight one-goal games against Denver and Air Force. Pogue hopes to turn things around as league play starts Friday.

“Obviously we have to go back to the drawing board a little bit and get back to basics,” Pogue said. “I think the Horizon league is a new lease on life and we got to put the past in the past and look toward the future. In terms of Horizon League play we are 0-0, so we are going to go on from there.”

The team will face UIC Friday night at home and then will travel to Detroit to face the Titans Oct. 1. The team was ranked number three in the Horizon League preseason polls behind Milwaukee and UIC.

More information on OU’s men soccer team including box scores, schedules and roster information can be found online at ougrizzlies.com.