Beavers Kick Off WCC Play with Thrilling Road Victory – Oregon State University Athletics

Oregon State’s men’s soccer team kicked off their conference play with a solid 2-1 win against San Francisco. This victory marked an important step for the Beavers as they continue their season.

Arnau Farnos scored the winning goal, making it his sixth for the season and the 19th in his career with the Beavers. Fabian Straudi played a crucial role by assisting on this goal, which was his 18th career assist, tying him for third in the program’s history.

Lucas Fernandez-Kim opened the scoring for Oregon State in the first half, marking his first goal since joining the team. His goal came from a close-range header, assisted by Fran Cortijo and Iker Carbonell Garcia.

Oregon State’s goalkeeper, John Nicolson, was a key player in the match, making six key saves to help secure the victory. Following this win, the Beavers improved their season record to 5-3-0, while San Francisco dropped to 5-2-1.

In the fifth minute, Fernandez-Kim created the first opportunity of the game, forcing a save. He found the net in the 21st minute with a powerful header. Although San Francisco pushed hard in the first half, Nicolson’s save in the 41st minute kept them scoreless at halftime.

The Beavers extended their lead in the 58th minute when Nico Nee’s quick pass set up Straudi, who then provided a perfect assist for Farnos. Despite a late goal from San Francisco in the 75th minute, Oregon State held on to their lead.

Up next, the Beavers will be returning home after a month-long absence, ready to face Saint Mary’s at Lorenz Field.

Recent data from the National Federation of State High School Associations shows that soccer participation has been rising in the U.S., with a 16% increase in boys’ soccer players over the last decade. This growth mirrors the increasing popularity of collegiate soccer, making each game more thrilling and competitive.

As Oregon State continues to grow, player development and teamwork will play crucial roles in their journey ahead. The camaraderie displayed on the field is a vital component of their success, proving that every player matters in the pursuit of excellence.



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