CORVALLIS – The Oregon State men’s soccer team battled UCLA to a 2-2 draw Thursday evening at Paul Lorenz Field.
The Beavers opened the scoring in the first minute of the contest, and went ahead 2-0 early in the second half, but the Bruins proved resilient as UCLA battled back to tie the match.
Fabian Straudi netted his first goal as a Beaver, while Ellis Spikner recorded his third goal of the season.
With the tie, the Beavers maintain their position atop the Pac-12 standings through the first four matches of the conference campaign. OSU also extends its unbeaten streak to 10-straight home Pac-12 contests.
Oregon State jumped out to an early lead, as Straudi took the ball off a Bruin defender and slotted a shot into the bottom right corner of the net less than 40 seconds into the contest.
Spikner had a pair of scoring chances early on, as he had his effort saved in the 15th and another shot blocked in the 19th. UCLA pressed forward, but the Beaver back line was able to hold firm. Oregon State headed into the break leading by a goal.
The Beavers again wasted little time in the second half, as Spikner netted the Oregon State second less than five minutes into the period. UCLA pulled one back in the 62nd minute to make it a one-goal game.
Jacob Huth nearly tallied the Beavers’ third when he smashed a shot that was deflected off the crossbar. The Bruins leveled the score in the 68th minute.
Oregon State pressed forward from there, as Vicho Castro just missed on is attempt from the left side of the box. Logan Farrington dribbled through a host of defenders before forcing a save in the 79th.
The Beavers battled to the final whistle, but could not retake the advantage, as the match ended in a draw.
Oregon State will remain at home this weekend to face No. 22 San Diego State on Sunday.
OUR MISSIONOregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
