Fall season marked a significant turning point for the Oregon State University Beavers Men’s soccer team as Greg Dalby assumed the role of head coach, bringing about a shift in team dynamics.
Despite this transition, both coach and players rallied together, culminating in a successful season characterized by a winning record of 11-6-5.
The Beavers surpassed expectations by clinching a double-digit number of wins, showcasing their resilience and adaptability under the new coaching regime. They finished the season with the program’s best record to date with the 2022 season record being 7-4-6.
Their journey extended into the postseason, where they advanced to the semifinals in the NCAA Division I college cup but fell to Notre Dame.
The Beavers have one game remaining in their PNW Spring Tournament, in which they previously played University of Washington and University of Portland.
As the new fall season approaches, all eyes are once again on the Beavers. The question lingering in everyone’s mind is whether they can replicate their previous season’s success or possibly even surpass it.
“The danger in having a successful season is making the mistake of wanting to recreate that same season, and we don’t, we need to be the best team that 2024 can be and we are really excited for that,” Dalby said.
This season’s team retains many familiar faces, although three starters from last season, Logan Farrington, Turner Humphrey and Javier Armas, have moved on to the next level via the MLS SuperDraft. While these players will be missed, Dalby remains unfazed, emphasizing the importance of evolving the team as a cohesive unit.
“If you have a healthy program every year you have a handful of guys graduate or get signed to play professionally, and then there’s a void,” Dalby said. “We’re creating an environment where players step through the void.”
This may include having to change the way the Beavers score goals or defend, but the mentality in which they approach the game will remain intact according to Dalby.
With an environment that fosters leadership, Dalby said the team is hungry for opportunity and success. The team feels like they have unfinished business from last season, the pressure is on for them to prove that their achievements were not merely a fluke but a testament to their skill, determination and teamwork.
“We’re really fun to watch, you’ll be really proud of our group when they compete,” said Dalby as anticipation for the fall season continues to grow.
The Beavers are set to play one more spring game on April 27 vs. Seattle U at Student Legacy Park at 2 p.m.
