Aug. 30, 2012

Match_Notes

After an impressive season-opening victory over Sacramento State last weekend, the Oregon State men’s soccer team is banking on that positive experience while turning its focus to a pair of tough games at the Nike Soccer Classic at Gonzaga University. The Beavers (1-0-0) will face No. 9/4 UC Santa Barbara tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. and Manhattan College on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

The 4-0 win over the Hornets last Friday was OSU’s first season opener with four goals since 2004 and the team’s first four-goal margin of victory in nearly three years. The Beavers also had four different goal scorers, including freshman Mikhail Doholis. His second half goal continued an interesting streak for the Beavers. They’ve now had a freshman score in the season opener in three consecutive seasons.

“We moved the ball around well and got a lot of people on the score sheet,” Doholis said. “I think we just need to stay level-headed, have the right approach and bring it into these games.”

Oregon State has only played UC Santa-Barbara twice with the last game coming in 2000, and the Beavers have never matched up against the Jaspers.

“Those are the exciting experiences of non-conference, but the guys are just looking forward to the next game,” head coach Steve Simmons said.

The first game against UC Santa-Barbara will present a new list of challenges for the Beavers. With their top-10 ranking, the Gauchos should provide a good measuring stick at this early juncture of the campaign. UCSB (1-0-0) defeated Loyola-Marymount, 2-1, last weekend on a goal in the 89^th minute, just 36 seconds after LMU had tied the score.

If the Beavers can pull off the upset, it will be the team’s first victory over a top-10 opponent since Nov. 14, 2004, defeating No. 9 Washington, 3-2, in overtime.

“At the moment, we’re really focusing on what we can do rather than what Santa Barbara and Manhattan can do,” sophomore midfielder Will Seymore said. “We’re taking the approach that if we can get everything right than we need to, we’ll be fine.”

Manhattan (0-1-0) lost its opener to Villanova, 5-1. After facing host Gonzaga on Friday night, the Jaspers will have their work cut out for them in stopping the Beavers’ quick front line Sunday morning. They showcased their playmaking abilities and athleticism in a second half outburst against Sacramento State.

We’re very confident in our front four,” Seymore said. “When they get going, we can scare some teams.”

Live stats of both matches will be available at www.gozags.com. Also, UC Santa Barbara’s radio broadcast of tomorrow’s game is available here.