#24 Oilers Knock Off #17 Ferris State in Season Opener
Big Rapids, Mich. – The University of Findlay women's soccer team began their much anticipated 2021 fall season on Thursday, Sep. 2 with a top-25 matchup in Big Rapids, Mich. The Oilers, ranked no. 24 in the United Soccer Coaches' Association (USCA) preseason poll, took down no. 17 Ferris State by a score of 1-0 to pick up the season-opening win. The win is the Oilers' first at Ferris State since 2014 and is Findlay's first win over a ranked opponent since 2012 when Findlay knocked off fourth-ranked Grand Valley State at home.
Ferris State, who was picked second in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) preseason poll, controlled the ball and the pace for much of the contest. Over the course of 90 minutes, the Bulldogs ripped off 30 shots including eight shots on goal while Findlay managed just eight shots over the course of the game, two of which were on goal.
With 14 minutes left in the game, junior Madison Mlsna was fouled and given a free kick from 35 meters. Mlsna lofted a ball perfectly over the Bulldogs' goalkeeper for the only score of the contest.
While Mlsna's goal was the deciding factor on the scoreboard, sophomore Kennedy Slovak was the difference maker as she fended off the Ferris State attack to the tune of eight saves, a career-high. Time after time, Slovak's play in the net thwarted serious threats by the Bulldogs, helping the Oilers pick up the win in their first-ever top-25 affair.
The Oilers cannot rest on their laurels for long as they face an even tougher test on Saturday, Sep. 4 when they head to take on perennial powerhouse and six-time DII national champion Grand Valley State who is currently ranked ninth in the country. That game will kick off at 2:00 pm in Allendale, Mich.