CORVALLIS, Ore. – Freshmen Graham Smith and Jordan Jones both got on the score sheet as the Oregon State men’s soccer team defeated Portland 2-0 Thursday evening at Paul Lorenz Field in Corvallis, Ore.

“I thought this was a comprehensive performance from our guys,” said head coach Steve Simmons. “I think we were first-best in pretty much every aspect of the game. We’ve continued to build, and tonight was another step forward. We created a lot of chances and we penetrated really well. I think the defense was brilliant as well. It was just a great performance all the way around, so I’m pleased.”

The Beavers (6-1-0) opened the scoring in the 39^th minute, off of one of their 10 first-half corner kicks. Senior Will Seymore whipped the ball into the box, and found Smith at the back post for the games’ opening goal. The score was the first of Smith’s career, and the assist was the first by Seymore this season.

The Beavers came close to doubling the advantage in the 53^rd minute, when freshman Timmy Mueller took a shot from the top of the box that forced a diving save from the Portland (1-3-3) goalkeeper. Mueller had another scoring chance in the 68^th minute, firing a shot from 15 yards out that pinged off the crossbar and back into play.

Oregon State was able to put a second goal on the board in the 75^th minute with another headed effort. Senior Khiry Shelton passed the ball to sophomore Michael Steele on the right wing. Steele proceeded to play a cross that found the head of Jones, who finished the play from point-blank range. The goal was Jones’ second of the season, while Shelton continued his hot start to the year with his sixth assist.

Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Matt Bersano recorded his second shutout of the season, posting just one save in the winning effort. The Tempe, Ariz., native now has 10 clean sheets in his career, tying him with Bryan Hill for fourth on Oregon State’s career list.

“I loved the whole 90 minutes today,” Bersano said. “I was never truly tested in the game, and that’s a goalkeeper’s dream. We dominated every aspect of the game. That was really our game.”

As a team, the Beavers outshot the Pilots17-9 in the contest, and held a 12-8 advantage on corners. The victory was Oregon State’s 15^th consecutive nonconference win a Paul Lorenz Field, part of a stretch that began back in 2011.

Oregon State will return to action Monday, when it hosts Northwest Christian in a game that will kick off at 5 p.m.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Men's NCAA Tournament First Round Recap

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Boys

Midwest High School Roundup - Nov.