Score: UC Davis 2, Oregon State 1
Location: Corvallis, Ore.
Records: UC Davis, 2-1-1, Oregon State 2-2-1
The short story: Zachary Neuls scored his first career goal at the perfect time, delivering the game-winner as UC Davis rallied back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two unanswered goals to secure their first-ever road victory against Oregon State in Corvallis.
PITCH SIDE
- Neuls was the hero for UC Davis, scoring in the 86th minute with assists from Zack Lillington and Cason Goodman
- C. Goodman played a part in both of UC Davis' goals today, scoring the Aggies' first goal to level the game in the first half
- Contributing to C. Goodman's goal was reigning Big West Offensive Player of the Week Keegan Walwyn-Bent, who recorded his first assist of the season
- In goal, Mekhai Wilson delivered a spectacular second half for the Aggies, entering for the final 45 minutes and accounting for both of UC Davis' saves during the match
- Playing lockdown defense, the quartet of Cole Pond, Luke Goodman, Carson Hammond, and Lillington played all 90 minutes
- A significant win for the Aggies, it marks UC Davis' first-ever road victory against Oregon State in Corvallis, a squad which is also fresh off an appearance in the College Cup in 2023
- Using a total team effort, 19 different Aggies appeared in today's match
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Oregon State started the game with all the momentum, scoring in the 14th minute by capitalizing on some backline miscommunication
- The game, however, became level in the 40th minute when C. Goodman tucked one past the Beavers' keeper into the bottom left of the net off a perfectly placed assist from Walwyn-Bent, making it 1-1 at halftime
- One of UC Davis' biggest adjustments came out of the half with Wilson subbing in at goalkeeper, anchoring the backline for the Aggies late
- Wilson made a crucial save in the 75th minute to ward off Oregon State's best chance of taking the lead in the half
- Minutes later, the Aggies made an aggressive counter-attack with Neuls delivering the magic, scoring the eventual game-winner in the 86th minute
- The Beavers added two more shots to their tally in an attempt to even the game, but to no avail as UC Davis walled up and secured the 2-1 comeback win
NEXT UP: UC Davis will be staying on the road, hoping to make it three consecutive wins when the Aggies visit Saint Mary's on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. PT.
