“We are here, because we deserve to be here”, said match winning forward Fran Cortijo.
Cortijo’s 92nd minute goal gave the Oregon State Men’s Soccer team its second goal of the contest as the Beavers went on to win 2-1 against Seattle University in the first round of the College Cup on Thursday night at Paul Lorenz Field.
In OSU head coach Greg Dalby’s first postseason match at the helm, the team was composed in every phase of the game.
Offensively, the team was able to connect the defense to attack using skilled hold up play by forward Logan Farrington and forward Dante Williams to control possession of the ball.
Progressive one touch passing by the Beaver wide players led to 23 shot attempts, and was the key to unlocking the Seattle U defense on both of the team’s goals.
Defensively, senior Javier Armas and junior Turner Humphreys anchored the entire team. With the Beavers finding themselves in advanced positions the backline needed to be resolute and ready to put out fires at a moments notice.
OSU turned off the lights on Seattle U in the first half, not allowing a single shot attempt. Despite conceding once, the Beavers only allowed 3 total shots over 110 minutes of soccer.
Cushioned by their stalwart defense, the Beavers scored first when right wingback Enzo Newman found himself one on one on the right side of the Seattle U penalty box in the 31st minute.
With a body feint towards the endline Newman slid past his defender and crossed the ball across the box, finding Dante Williams making a late run from the midfield. Williams finished the chance casually, and proceeded to sprint straight towards those in attendance at Paul Lorenz Field waving his teammates to join him in celebration.
The Seattle University Rehawks would find the equalizer through a midfielder Mo Mohammed strike in the 61st minute.
In a scramble for possession after a Redhawk corner the ball was played to Mohammed at the top of the box. Shielded by a sea of players, his shot caught OSU goalkeeper Luis Castillo off guard just long enough for the ball to roll into the Beaver’s net.
The College Cup is never without controversy, and this match was no different.
With the end of regulation time looming, the Beaver had two goals called back for offside.
The clock struck 90 minutes, and the teams would need another 20 minutes to determine the victor.
With the crowd behind them, the Beavers picked up right where they left off all game showing minimal signs of fatigue.
Logan Farrington picked up the ball on the right wing from a Beaver throw-in only 2 minutes into overtime. Easily turning his defender, the striker set his sights on attacking the Redhawk penalty box. Letting the ball settle, Farrington used his first touch to send the ball to the top of the box. Williams purposely let the ball roll through his legs, to the surprise of the Seattle U defense.
Cortijo would take his moment, pouncing on the pass with his left foot. All the goalkeeper could do was pick the ball out of the back of the net, as Paul Lorenz Field erupted in celebration.
The Beavers held on for the victory, advancing to the second round of the 2023 College Cup.
Next up, OSU will face the University of Portland Pilots on the road at Merlo Field on Nov. 19th. The Beavers will have to recover from the long match quickly if they are to upset the #11 Pilots, who are 10-0 at home this season.