The Oregon State University women’s soccer team defeated the University of San Diego Toreros in a decisive 4-1 victory at Paul Lorenz Field on Sunday.
The victory marked the Beavers’ first conference win of the season, raising their overall WCC record to 1-4. This game also marked the first conference points for the Beavers, with graduate forward Carly Carraher delivering the first point for the team in the 24th minute.
During the first half, the Beavers had an electric offense, as they fired off three shots on the goal within the first twenty minutes of the game. Eventually, the Beavers would find their first point with Carly Carraher in the 24th minute.
After the first goal, it was not long before the Beavers would find their groove. The second goal came merely 6 minutes later in the 30th minute, thanks to freshman forward Avery Pleiman, with an assist from freshman midfielder Alyssa White.
From here, San Diego’s defense was on the retreat and couldn’t match Oregon State’s offensive pace. Junior midfielder Adele Schwab snagged the Beavers’ final point of the first half in a stunning headbutt goal in the 40th minute. OSU finished the first half with an impressive 3-0 lead.
After the break, the game intensified as the Toreros began to find their footing. Senior goalkeeper Mya Sanchez blocked a quick shot from San Diego as their offense began to move together. The Beavers’ offense responded quickly with a shot and goal of their own, with White securing OSU’s fourth point in the 61st minute.
San Diego’s junior midfielder Maquena O’Callaghan captured the Toreros’ first and only point of the game in the 70th minute. Despite their effort, it was too late for the Torreros to pull back that early margin established by the Beavers. The match finished with a 4-1 win for Oregon State.
After the game, Oregon State Head Coach Caroline Kelly celebrated the victory, stating that “They’ve proven they can do it, we scored in both halves, we have to continue to believe.”
Kelly went on to assert that it was a positive shift in mentality that helped the team secure their victory, “They just enjoyed playing soccer today,” Kelly said. “There’s a lot of stuff that goes on off the field, but for the next three hours, this is the only thing and just enjoy this game.”
Freshman Alyssa White encapsulated Coach Kelly’s positive mindset, “We just kept our heads in it, and kept believing that we could do it. Our style of play came together today,” White said.
The Beavers will head down to Santa Clara University this Saturday, Oct.18, to continue their conference play as they look to secure another win against the Santa Clara Broncos.
