EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Oakland City University women's soccer team finished its regular season in championship form on Saturday afternoon, earning a 1–0 win over the University of Rio Grande at Goebel Soccer Complex to claim the 2025 River States Conference regular-season title.
The victory caps a dominant stretch for the Mighty Oaks, who have now won 12 of their last 13 games to close out the regular season. Oakland City ends the campaign with a 13-2-2 overall record and an unbeaten 9-0-1 mark in conference play, securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming RSC Tournament.
Junior forward Molly Loughton provided the decisive moment, scoring in the 51st minute off an assist from Sara Espinosa to give the Oaks the lead. From there, Oakland City controlled possession and tempo, outshooting the RedStorm 12-2 and holding a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
Goalkeeper Alicia Garwood made two saves to earn her eighth shutout of the season, anchoring another strong defensive performance. The Oaks' back line held firm throughout, limiting Rio Grande to just a pair of scoring opportunities and preserving the clean sheet.
With the regular-season championship secured, the Mighty Oaks advance to the River States Conference Tournament semifinals, where they will face the winner of IU East and Rio Grande on Saturday, November 7. Oakland City will look to continue its impressive run as it pursues the 2025 RSC Tournament title.
By the Numbers
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Final Score: Oakland City 1, Rio Grande 0
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Location: Goebel Soccer Complex – Evansville, Ind.
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OCU Record: 13-2-2 (9-0-1 RSC)
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Goal: Molly Loughton (51') – assisted by Sara Espinosa
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Shots: OCU 12, Rio Grande 2
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Shots on Goal: OCU 7, Rio Grande 2
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Saves: Alicia Garwood (OCU) 2; Alba Vilades Marin (URG) 5
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Shutouts: Garwood (8th of season)
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OCU Wins: 12 of last 13
