PITTSBURGH, Pa.  – Jordan Jones found the net twice and Timmy Mueller scored the game-winner in the 89^th minute to keep No. 10/12 Oregon State perfect on the season, as the Beavers earned a 3-2 win over Duquesne Friday evening in the opening game of the Duquesne Invitational.

Oregon State (4-0-0) controlled the play through most of the match, holding a 12-4 edge in shots on the night. Mueller’s late game-winner came when the sophomore fired home the rebound after his penalty kick was saved.

“This was an overall team effort,” said Oregon State head coach Steve Simmons. “Our guys found a way to win, which is a great attribute to have. We responded to all of the challenges that came our way, and we kept our nerve. The team didn’t get frustrated, and they showed a lot of maturity, which is something we’ve been working on.”

Mueller created the Beavers first real chance of the match, shooting just wide from 18 yards out after forcing a turnover in the midfield within the first 10 minutes.

Oregon State would get on the board in the 27^th minute, when Mueller chipped a pass over the top that found Jones on the left side of the box. Jones’ first attempt was saved by the Duquesne (1-2-0) keeper, but the sophomore followed up the shot to hammer the rebound home. The Dukes would respond just a minute later to level the score at one, scoring the first goal against the Beavers this season.

Freshman Nathan Braaten came close to putting the Beavers ahead in the 33^rd minute, as he forced a save with a shot from the left side of the box. Oregon State held a 5-1 edge in shots in the first half, but the sides entered the break level at one.

Oregon State would retake the lead early in the second half, as Jones netted his second of the night. Freshman Don Tchilao set up the sophomore, as Jones bulged the net with an absolute rocket from the right side of the box. The Dukes struck back again, however, tying up the game at two in the 58^th minute.

Senior Mikhail Doholis came within inches of putting the Beavers ahead in the 78^th minute, when he used a piece of individual skill to create the space for a shot inside the penalty area. His attempt pinged off the left post however, and the score remained level. Oregon State had another chance in the 84^th when Jones forced a turnover in the attacking third, but Mueller’s effort was saved.

Just as it looked like the game might be headed to overtime the Beavers were awarded a penalty kick for a foul on Mueller inside the box. The sophomore’s initial shot was saved by the Duquesne goalie, but his second effort found the net to give OSU the victory.

“Give credit to Duquesne,” Simmons said. “They had a scheme for us, and they were able to capitalize on their opportunities. They’re a well-coached team. These are tough trips across multiple time zones, and this was a big test for our guys. We’ll enjoy this one tonight, and then get ready for Sunday.”

Cleveland State topped Cornell 2-1 in overtime of game one of the Duquesne Invitational. The Beavers will close out their portion of the tournament Sunday at 8 a.m. PT, when they take on Cornell.  

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