Early Goal Lifts Beavers over Siena
The Beavers (4-1-0) were able to create a number of scoring chances in the game.
(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) — An early goal from sophomore Devonte Small propelled the Oregon State men’s soccer team to 1-0 victory over Siena Friday evening in the Beavers’ first game of the Hensor/Zaher Nike Classic.
“A win is a win, and a win in this tournament always means a lot,” said head coach Steve Simmons. “We had some good momentum early, but we didn’t carry that momentum forward as well as we could have. I’ll give a lot of credit to Siena, they came in 4-0, and I thought they were well drilled.”
Small found the net less than two minutes into the game. Redshirt-sophomore Zach Striar started the move off by playing a pass over the top that found junior Khiry Shelton. Shelton then proceeded to pass the ball across the box to Small, who fired a shot into the roof of the net. The goal is the second of Small’s career, and it brings his season total to seven points (two goals, three assists).
“The coaches have been really encouraging this year,” Small said. “I think the freedom they’ve given me has really helped my confidence, and I’m doing pretty well on the ball, so hopefully I can keep it going.”
With his assist on the goal, Shelton now has eight points on the season (two goals, four assists).
The Beavers (4-1-0) were able to create a number of scoring chances in the game. One of their best came in the 75th minute, when Shelton made a marauding run from the half way line all the way into the Siena box, before pushing a shot just wide with the outside of his right foot.
Redshirt-junior Matt Bersano recorded a shutout in his return to action, posting three saves after missing the prior three games due to injury. The clean sheet was the ninth of Bersano’s career, moving him into sole possession of fifth on Oregon State’s all-time list, and leaving him just one short of Bryan Hill in fourth.
Junior transfer Jaime Velasco made his first start in the Orange and Black, while freshmen Eli Roubos, Sam Tweeton and Rolando Velazquez all made their Oregon State debuts.
As a team, the Beavers outshot the Saints (4-1-0) 12-11.
“This was kind of a weird game, because we won the game, but we know our level of play wasn’t where it needed to be,” Simmons said. “I think we needed to take our chances better, but if our guys get that many looks at goal again, I think we will score. This gives us a chance to do better on Sunday.”
Elsewhere in the Hensor/Zaher Classic, Portland and Duquesne played to a 1-1 draw.
The Beavers will look to lock down a tournament title with a win over the Dukes on Sunday.
Source: Oregon State Athletics
