[dropcap]A[/dropcap] 2-2 draw between Oakland and Valparaiso in double overtime Friday night gave the Golden Grizzlies their first Horizon League regular-season title after joining the conference in 2013.
Cody Archibald and Shawn Claud Lawson both found the net in the first 45 minutes, and despite a late leveler in the second half from Crusaders (8-5-5, 3-3-2 Horizon) sophomore Matthew Gweh, neither team scored in extra time and Eric Pogue’s squad that tied for third in the conference’s preseason poll secured its spot at the top of the standings.
“I’m extremely proud of our men and our staff for achieving a very difficult goal of winning a conference regular season championship,” Pogue said. “Conference games are always difficult and with the parity and competitiveness in the Horizon League, to win the conference regular season title without losing a game is an accomplishment to be proud of.”
Lawson’s goal in the 17th minute that re-established the lead for Oakland (7-6-3, 5-0-3) was his team-high fourth of the season.
The undefeated league campaign means that the Golden Grizzlies earn the right to host the Horizon Championship. It’s the first year of undefeated conference play for Oakland since 2009 when the team went 5-0-1 in the Summit League.
“Our men are very deserving and elated to be hosting the Horizon League conference championship tournament on our home field in front of our family, friends and fans,” Pogue said.
Oakland will host the lowest remaining seed of the pair of quarterfinal matches set to take place on Monday, pitting No. 4 Cleveland State vs. No. 5 Valparaiso and No. 3 Wright State vs. No. 6 Milwaukee. The semifinal contests, which will also include No. 2 Detroit, are set to take place Nov. 13, with the title game set for Nov. 15.
Report provided by Press Row Sports.
