[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n its search for the first win of the season, Oakland’s men’s soccer team had its share of chances offensively, and found an equalizer for a 1-1 draw with UIC Friday night in the Horizon League opener for both teams.
Jose Fuentes was able to glance Jesus Torres’ cross with his dead and beat Wes Mink for a 27th minute goal to put the Flames (4-2-2) on the board.
Matt Rickard produced an answer for the Golden Grizzlies (0-5-1) in the second half, receiving a long ball played by Cody Archibald deep in Oakland’s own half. Rickard’s well-timed run allowed him to chip UIC goalkeeper Andrew Putna from 10 yards out to level the scoreline.
“I just read the defender, he misjudged the play,” Rickard said. “I managed to get behind, played on the shoulder. I tried to stay composed and put it past the keeper.”
Though the total shots in the second half outnumbered those in the first 11 to 10, the quality of chances were clearly better in the first 45 minutes, as neither team could find a winner after Rickard’s tally. The worthiest of opportunities came in the dying moments, though. A redirected header inside Oakland’s box followed by a volley in from Zack Judickas would have been a goal at point-blank range if not ruled offside. Almost immediately following on the opposite side of the pitch, John DeLeon had a good look from the left side in the final seconds, but slotted it wide right of net.
Gerald Ben was able to lose his markers in the first of the two 10-minute overtime periods, butShawn Claud Lawson could not find his footing for the pass slotted in from the right side by the target man. Ben had a chance of his own near the expiration of those 10 minutes, but his shot from the corner of the 18 began dipping too late over the crossbar.
Neither team found danger of much circumstance in the second 10 minute sequence, though play got very chippy between the two teams. Joel Salmeron played a ball that could have given Fuentes a brace, but he was well-marked and a header attempt went harmlessly off-target.
Putna lived up to his billing, as the 2013 Horizon League Freshman and Goalkeeper of the Year passed nearly all tests presented by Oakland’s attackers. A free kick from 25 yards distance by Gavin Hoy, forced Putna to rise and bat the dangerous attempt over the net. He was tested again by one of several Flames’ fouls committed just outside their own box, and was forced to make a diving punch on Matt Dudley’s bending try in the second half. Putna recorded six saves on the night, bringing his total to 32 this season.
Mink, a freshman making his fourth start as netminder for Oakland, recorded just one save.
The Golden Grizzlies head next Wednesday to face in-state league rival Detroit.
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