The Barometer Online

Issue date: 10/24/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: David LaChasse Justin Woodward chases down a ball in the Beavers' 2-2 tie vs. the San Diego State Aztecs Sunday afternoon at OSU.

Fast and physical play overwhelmed the OSU men's soccer team this weekend in games against UCLA and San Diego State, and both played a key roll in the Beavers' losses.

The No. 5 Bruins (9-4-2 overall, 4-2-1 Pacific-10) had a distinct size advantage over the Beavers (5-10-2 overall, 0-8-1 Pac-10) throughout their 3-0 victory Friday night. This was never more apparent then when OSU midfielder Tracy Hasson, at 5'4'' was defended by 6'4" Bruin defender Brad Rusin. UCLA's size led to a physical game, including 30 total fouls by each team and a yellow card to OSU midfielder Nick Webb.

Both teams pushed the ball up the field, laying a back and forth style of soccer through out the match. The strong forward play of Oregon State was led by forward Brett Gardner who put two shots on goal, only to be turned away by UCLA keeper Eric Reed.

"I thought our defense played really well," coach Dana Taylor said. "I think our midfield played really well and our forwards played really well, we out shot them."

The Bruins continued their trend of being out shot by opponents and still managing to leave with a victory. The Beavers out shot the Bruins 12-4 in the match, putting five shots on goal. The Beavers' goalkeeping struggled against the Bruins, as keeper Packy Deenihan surrendered three goals on three shots on goal.

"The bottom line is our goalkeeping let us down today," Taylor said. "The truth is we need more out of our goalkeeping and we are not getting it right now."

Prior to meeting San Diego State (7-5-3, 3-2-2) Sunday, Taylor shook up the lineup by placing Jason Mariner in goal. Mariner was helped by strong defensive play by the Beavers' backline.

Mariner faced zero shots on goal in the first period thanks to strong Beaver defense, which continued throughout the second half. The first period was dominated offensively by the Beavers, who forced Aztec keeper Tally Hall to make three saves.

Forward Brett Gardner had another strong game taking five shots and putting two on net. After surrendering an Aztec goal, defender Matt Bowman received a pass from Findley and put a header past Hall. The goal was the first of Bowman's career and came near the end of his senior season.

Continued...

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