The Oakland University men’s soccer team secured their first win of the 2022 regular season over the Colonials of Robert Morris on Wednesday, Sept. 28. 

Getting things going for the Grizzlies was Dawsun Schrum, scoring the first goal of the night right into the top corner of the left side of the net. Towards the end of the first half the Colonials started to give Oakland a little challenge, with a goal from midfielder Bryan Akongo making the score 1-1.

Within the first few minutes coming back into the second half, the Colonials would attempt four shots. Incredible saves were made by Oakland’s keeper, Michael Sly Jr., denying them all and keeping the score tied. 

Reid Sproat’s clutch shot, which was assisted by Ville Ahola, was the shot that won the game, putting the Grizzlies ahead 2-1. The Grizzlies were amped up — Sproat’s spectacular shot was his first of the season. 

Although it was a shaky start for the Grizzlies, they still managed to pull through, showing exceptional efforts coming back into the second half with some authority, getting the win. 

“I thought it was a dog fight for sure. I just told the boys that ‘if we want to be champions, we have to win games like this,’” Sproat said. “There was weather coming in, and really, nobody really wanted to be out [there,] but you have to find a way to win those games, so I was happy to get the goal.”

Coach Eric Pogue had some things to say about the way the game went as well. 

“I mean, we were disappointed with the way the first half ended – but we knew we had to just put that behind us and regroup,” Pogue said. “We basically said it was a 0-0, 45-minute game and was about whoever wanted it more. It is going to take a 90-minute commitment from everybody to get the result that we wanted and that’s what we did. They were a bit unlucky. They hit a few off the crossbar, but that’s the way the game goes.” 

“We’ve been on the tough end of some games where we deserved the result and didn’t get it, and so I think the guys just found a way to get it done,” Pogue continued. “I think we defended really well. We’re going to use this as momentum going into a big matchup on Saturday against Mercy.”

The men’s soccer team is really committed to defending their championship and continuing to be undefeated in the league, taking it one game at a time. This win makes Oakland’s conference record 1-0-1. 

“We have to rest and recover. Tomorrow we just need to get healthy,” Pogue said. “We know Detroit isn’t going to be about Xs and Os, but more so about who wants the game more.”