Sep 1, 2013

Box Score

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State broke a scoreless tie nearly nine minutes into the second half, but it was a penalty kick in the 82nd minute that created a deficit too big to erase as UC Davis fell 2-0 Sunday at Paul Lorenz Field in the final game of the University of Portland Tournament.

UC Davis slips to 0-2-0 on the season while Oregon State improves to 2-0-0.

"We're obviously disappointed with the start of the season, however, we are playing good soccer and doing all the right things needed to win games," said UC Davis head coach Dwayne Shaffer.

"As was the case against Portland, we were able to create more quality scoring opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net."

From start to finish, it was UC Davis that was the more aggressive team and dominated nearly every facet its non-conference match.

In addition to earning twice as many corners as Oregon State, the Aggies took 10 compared to the Beavers' five, UC Davis also ended with more than twice as many shots compared to its opponent.

Led by senior midfielder Alex Aguiar and sophomore midfielder Ryan Gross with four apiece, 11 of the 18 Aggies that saw action took a collective 23 shots compared to the Beavers' 12.

From the very first, to the final minute, it was Oregon State goalkeeper Matt Bersano who was forced to make one save after another to keep the Aggies off the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for UC Davis, it was Oregon State that netted the first goal of the afternoon when a shot from defender Alex Eckerson eluded the outstretched arms of UC Davis goalkeeper Omar Zeenni to give the host Beavers the lead.

Undaunted, UC Davis continued attacking the Beavers' net in an attempt to tie the match once again. Shortly after Oregon State scored, UC Davis created two scoring chances off corners and fired another two shots at Bersano.

A total of five Aggie shots were blocked throughout the second half until a swing in momentum took place in the 82nd minute when UC Davis was whistled for a foul inside the penalty area.

By converting its penalty kick, Oregon State forced UC Davis alter its personnel accordingly in an attempt to quickly chip away at its two-goal deficit.

Of the Aggies' final two shots, one just sailed above the crossbar with Bersano recording his final save of the day on the other.

Oregon State was held to just six shots.

Added Shaffer, "I'm proud of the way the guys fought and played hard today, I feel for them. We will learn from this weekend, move on, and prepare for next home games against Seattle on Friday, and CSU Bakersfield on Sunday."

Beginning with Friday's match versus Seattle, UC Davis will play three of its next four contests at Aggie Soccer Field.

Added Shaffer, "I'm proud of the way the guys fought and played hard today, I feel for them. We will learn from this weekend, move on, and prepare for next home games against Seattle on Friday, and Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday."

CSU Bakersfield and San Francisco will also visit Davis throughout the upcoming weeks on Sunday, Sept. 8, and the following week on Sept. 15 respectively. All three home matches will kickoff at 5 p.m.