Spring Break
Timbers top Oregon State
Beavers play tough match with professional squad, fall 1-0 to Portland Timbers in exhibition
Mark Pedersen
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: Sports
For all college athletes aspiring to go pro one day, Wednesday night's gala should sound like a dream come true.
Oregon State went outside its comfort zone for a shot at a pro team as the Portland Timbers came to town for an exhibition match.
The typical game plan was beefed up to prepare for the challenge of taking on a professional team. While most college athletes look up to their professional counterparts, this collection of Beavers looked across the pitch toward some of them.
"It's an honor to play the Timbers," head coach Dana Taylor said.
There was even a familiar face mixed in, Josh Cameron, who was two-time All-Pac-10 Honoree as a Beaver. He recently joined the Timbers during its spring try-outs.
The Timbers players warmed up with bounces in their steps as if they had already won the game. This situation might seem intimidating, but Oregon State was buzzing throughout its warm-up. Its talk was excellent coming into the game and continued throughout the entire match. Midfield play was tenacious and the defensive backs came up big on several occasions.
Another high note was starting goalie Steve Spangler, who was wrangling in every shot with a beautiful confidence that comes from working hard on and off the field.
"It's all about being athletic and intelligent to get to that level," Spangler said.
Minutes into the game, the Timbers appeared to be thoroughly in control when a corner kick sailed just north of the Beaver's top post. As the first half ensued, OSU took advantage of a lackadaisical attitude taken by Portland and put up several good efforts at the goal. The Timber's staff was quite taken by the energy of the Beavers.
"Their intensity from minute 0 to 90 was outstanding," said Timber's coach Amos Magee.
The animated play of the midfield gave them an excellent opportunity on goal that went just high and eventually found its fate under the wheels of a passing SUV.
Pushing further into the half, the height of the Timbers became a deciding issue in ball control. The Timber's line had superior size from end to end and it was apparent. With the superior control, two free kicks from 30 yards out both came close with excellent saves by keeper Steve Spangler.
Oregon State went outside its comfort zone for a shot at a pro team as the Portland Timbers came to town for an exhibition match.
The typical game plan was beefed up to prepare for the challenge of taking on a professional team. While most college athletes look up to their professional counterparts, this collection of Beavers looked across the pitch toward some of them.
"It's an honor to play the Timbers," head coach Dana Taylor said.
There was even a familiar face mixed in, Josh Cameron, who was two-time All-Pac-10 Honoree as a Beaver. He recently joined the Timbers during its spring try-outs.
The Timbers players warmed up with bounces in their steps as if they had already won the game. This situation might seem intimidating, but Oregon State was buzzing throughout its warm-up. Its talk was excellent coming into the game and continued throughout the entire match. Midfield play was tenacious and the defensive backs came up big on several occasions.
Another high note was starting goalie Steve Spangler, who was wrangling in every shot with a beautiful confidence that comes from working hard on and off the field.
"It's all about being athletic and intelligent to get to that level," Spangler said.
Minutes into the game, the Timbers appeared to be thoroughly in control when a corner kick sailed just north of the Beaver's top post. As the first half ensued, OSU took advantage of a lackadaisical attitude taken by Portland and put up several good efforts at the goal. The Timber's staff was quite taken by the energy of the Beavers.
"Their intensity from minute 0 to 90 was outstanding," said Timber's coach Amos Magee.
The animated play of the midfield gave them an excellent opportunity on goal that went just high and eventually found its fate under the wheels of a passing SUV.
Pushing further into the half, the height of the Timbers became a deciding issue in ball control. The Timber's line had superior size from end to end and it was apparent. With the superior control, two free kicks from 30 yards out both came close with excellent saves by keeper Steve Spangler.
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