In a highly-anticipated cross-town rivalry match, Oakland University's men's soccer team is gearing up to host Detroit Mercy in their final regular-season game of the year. With the Horizon League standings hanging in the balance, the spotlight is firmly on Oakland's star forward, Mikey Ketteman.
Last week, Oakland experienced a heartbreakingly close defeat at the hands of Green Bay. Despite taking an early 1-0 lead, they couldn't maintain their advantage and conceded three unanswered goals. However, Oakland's hopes of clinching the number one seed in the Horizon League remained intact due to IUPUI's tie against Milwaukee. As it stands, Oakland is perched atop the league with 15 points, while their rivals Green Bay and IUPUI remain hot on their heels with 14 points each.
Mikey Ketteman, a fifth-year forward, is at the forefront of Oakland's success. After going scoreless in his previous two matches, he found his scoring touch by netting Oakland's sole goal against Green Bay, taking his tally for the season to an impressive eight goals. This achievement ranks him second in the Horizon League for goals scored. Ketteman's ability to find the back of the net at crucial moments has been pivotal in Oakland's journey to the top of the league.
The fate of the #HLMSOC Championship number one seed is still within Oakland's grasp, hinging on their performance against Detroit Mercy. A victory would secure their position at the top, and even a tie could suffice, provided Green Bay and IUPUI falter in their matches. However, a loss could see Oakland drop as low as fourth in the league standings, setting the stage for a challenging championship tournament.
In the face of this critical matchup, Oakland's chances are bolstered by the presence of Mikey Ketteman. His skill and leadership on the field make him a key player to watch in this pivotal game against Detroit Mercy.
Oakland has enjoyed a commanding edge in the rivalry with Detroit Mercy, boasting a 13-3-7 all-time record against the Titans. Their remarkable streak has seen them win or tie in the last 12 encounters, with their last loss dating back to an overtime defeat in November 2010. The Golden Grizzlies are keen to maintain their dominance in this long-standing rivalry, with Mikey Ketteman poised to play a crucial role in this quest.
Turning our attention to the Titans, Detroit Mercy has already secured their place in the #HLMSOC Championship with a 5-8-3 record (4-2-2 HL). They currently find themselves in a three-way tie for second place in the league, and a victory against Oakland could catapult them into the number one spot.
With the postseason on the horizon, the outcome of this thrilling matinee game at Oakland Soccer Field is pivotal for both teams. Fans are encouraged to come out in full force, decked in black, to create an electrifying atmosphere for this season finale Black Out event.
For updates and insights on Mikey Ketteman's and the Oakland Men's Soccer team's journey, follow @OaklandMSOC on Twitter and Instagram. Also, don't forget to check out the Gold Standard Name, Image, and Likeness Marketplace, which offers opportunities for student-athletes to explore NIL endorsements and partnerships.
[Original source: Golden Grizzlies Athletics - https://goldengrizzlies.com/news/2023/10/30/general-mens-soccer-end-season-with-cross-town-rivalry-against-detroit-mercy.aspx]
Image Source: Oakland University Athletics