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Oregon State soccer teams end spring

Men's, women's soccer teams play spring schedule in preparation for fall season; OSU men finish spring season with record of 3-3-1

Mark Pedersen

Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Sports
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Oregon State's Najma Homidi battles for a header in Oregon State's spring Civil War victory over the University of Oregon. Oregon State topped the Ducks 2-1 after ending their fall meeting in a scoreless tie.
Media Credit: Cory Reed
Oregon State's Najma Homidi battles for a header in Oregon State's spring Civil War victory over the University of Oregon. Oregon State topped the Ducks 2-1 after ending their fall meeting in a scoreless tie.
Every spring, the men and women who take part in Oregon State soccer play a "second season." They tie up their cleats and strap up their shin guards for a barrage of games against an interesting group of opponents.

Practice is useful, but game experience cannot be replicated. Other sports like to put their athletes through full-speed games, too - football just wrapped up its spring practice season with an inter-squad game.

The idea is to gear up and keep skills sharp for the upcoming season. Many times, this is the only playing time that underclassmen see all year. It is a time when up-and-comers prove their worth and veterans stand to get dethroned.

There was a large amount of uncertainty heading into this second season. Many individuals emerged from the woodwork and displayed a great mix of skill and fortitude that surprised the coaching staffs.

The men had quite a covey of games to undertake throughout spring. Not only did they have a chance to compete against another college, they also got the opportunity to take on the Portland Timbers, four semi-pro teams from the Professional Developmental League and one match against an assembly of alumni.

"We worked on ball control and tempo during practice," said head coach Dana Taylor about his spring practice. "We came out and did those things well."

Against this unusual and formidable league of teams, the Oregon State men's soccer team put up an even record of 3-3-1. While this remains a .500 record, the strength of play makes this stat impressive.

Along the way, several young men found stride and a few more just picked up where they left off. Captain Justin Woodward and freshman Danny Mwanga both kept up their great play and set the course for the rest of the Beavers. The young defensive line and the coup of goalies also elevated their games and made the Beavers a more well-rounded squad.
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