UMKC Tallies Late Goal For Win Over Oakland

(Kansas City, Mo.) - The UMKC men's soccer team scored on an own goal in the 81^st minute and grabbed a 1-0 victory over Oakland on Homecoming Saturday night at Durwood Soccer Stadium. The win made it five consecutive games without a loss for the 'Roos.

UMKC improved to 12-1-1 in conference home openers under head coach Rick Benben, and the 'Roos also grabbed their first home win over OU since 1999. It was also the third consecutive game that UMKC has played against OU without a loss. The two teams were selected as Co-Summit League favorites to win the title in the preseason coaches poll.

The Kangaroos (4-4-1, 1-0 SL) had the game's first good chance in the early part of the first half, as freshman forward Jordan Rideout got the ball 1-on-1 with the OU goalkeeper at the top of the box, but the Grizzlies (2-7-1, 0-2 SL) got a big save to keep the contest scoreless.

The next big chance came on the other end, as OU hit the post on a long range shot from Miche'le Lipari, and the rebound was too hot to handle for a put-back goal.

It was a physical contest, with each team receiving a caution in the first half, and the 'Roos getting two cards in the final period.

UMKC had a few more near misses in the second half, including a free kick from senior Chris Markey, and a rebound attempt that scooted just wide by Rideout. A shot on frame off a cross by senior midfielder Jimmy Simon also saw the Golden Grizzlies goalkeeper make a save. The 'Roos held off a good chance by OU with a scramble on a ball that was crossed into the six, but it was cleared out before any damage was done.

The goal came when Franklin Washington served in a cross just across the six yard box in the air, and an Oakland defender tried to keep it from landing on the head of junior forward David Sarabia. Instead it went off the defender's head and into the far post netting.

UMKC had five shots on goal in the game, while OU tallied two (OU had an 11-10 overall shot advantage). Sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Martin improved his record to 4-1 after posting his second shutout of the season. He made two saves on the night.

The Kangaroos will head to IUPUI next Saturday for another conference game. Kickoff from Indianapolis is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.