Oakland defeats Rio Grande 2-1 in first of three exhibition matches

Oakland defeated Rio Grand 2-1 Saturday night. (Photo by Brian Quintos, 2013)

Despite a late rally by Rio Grande, Oakland hung on for a 2-1 victory in Saturday night’s first exhibition game.

Goals by Matt Dudley and Alex Serwatka sealed the win for the Grizzlies.

The Red Storm proved to be pesky with their lone goal 6:34 into second half to cut the Oakland lead to one combining with consistent pressure toward Oakland goalkeeper Scott Messer late in the game.

Rio Grande head coach Scott Morrissey was proud of his team’s effort in playing neck and neck with a talented division 1 program as a small NAIA school.

“It was a great opportunity to play against a top level division 1 program,” Morrissey said. “I liked how we made adjustments and improved in the second half.”

Oakland got on the board at the 36:46 mark in the first half as Dudley cashed in a free-kick just beyond the 18 yard box.

Dudley hit a line-drive that curved past Red Storm keeper Jon Dodson.

“I saw the keeper, he was a good three or four yards off of his line. I was going to put it over the wall, but he was already creeping across,” Dudley said. “I thought I might as well take a shot for the corner.”

Just a minute in to the second half, Serwatka took a rebound and sent a laser for the middle of the net that was deflected by a Rio Grande defender in to the top left corner making the Grizzly lead two.

Morrissey said the second OU goal was the only thing he wasn’t pleased with in his team’s effort.

Oakland head coach Eric Pogue was glad to get a victory against what he called one of the top NAIA teams in the country.

“We put them on the schedule to provide a test for us. Once you looked out on the field, you couldn’t tell it was an exhibition,” Pogue said. “Anytime you get a ‘w’, you’re excited for your team.”

Oakland’s next action comes 8:00 Tuesday night as they travel to Northwestern for the second of three exhibition games.