Women's Soccer | 11/23/2025 12:06:23 PM

MARION, Ind. — On a cold Thursday evening at Indiana Wesleyan University, the Oakland City University women's soccer team made history. In their second-ever appearance at the NAIA National Women's Soccer Tournament Opening Round, the Mighty Oaks delivered a dramatic 1–0 victory over Eastern Oregon University—punctuated by a breathtaking, long-range strike in the final minute that will be remembered by fans of Oakland City athletics for years to come.

With the match still scoreless in the 89th minute, freshman forward Lena Poulain provided the moment of the season thus far. After OCU regained possession off a foul near midfield, Poulain lofted a towering shot from over 30 yards out. The ball arced high into the Marion sky and dropped perfectly over the outstretched hands of the Eastern Oregon University goalkeeper, igniting an eruption from the Mighty Oaks bench. It was Poulain's 10th goal of the season—and the biggest of her young career—as Oakland City seized a 1–0 lead with just seconds remaining.

From there, the OCU defense closed the door.

Goalkeeper Alicia Garwood, who finished with two saves, anchored a composed and disciplined defensive effort that limited the Mountaineers to a pair of shots on goal. Oakland City's back line held firm through a physical match that featured heavy midfield pressure and 16 Eastern Oregon fouls.

The tension of the NAIA Opening Round was palpable from the opening whistle, with both teams navigating nerves and a postseason atmosphere. Oakland City created its best early chances through Sara Espinosa, who forced a first-half save and later had two second-half attempts blocked. The Oaks grew into the match after halftime, gaining momentum with a series of corner kicks and extended spells of possession.

But the breakthrough waited until the very end—saved for a moment worthy of the national stage.