CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Oregon State men’s soccer team has booked a spot in the College Cup for the first time in program history with a 1-0 win over North Carolina Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Dante Williams’ first-half goal lifted the Beavers to victory over the 3-seed Tar Heels. Oregon State will now face Notre Dame in the semi-finals of the NCAA Tournament Friday in Louisville.
The Beavers’ run to the College Cup has featured victories over Seattle U, Portland, SMU and now North Carolina. Oregon State has booked its first ever appearance in NCAA soccer’s biggest event in head coach Greg Dalby’s first season at the helm.
OSU limited UNC to eight shots in the contest, only one of which was on target. The Beavers also tallied eight shots in the contest, placing five on frame.
Oregon State dominated the possession in the early phases of the match. Pere Belmonte took the Beavers’ first shot of the game in the 25th minute, but his effort from distance was off target. Belmonte was inches away from putting OSU in front two minutes later, as his shot bounced off the post.
Williams gave the Beavers the lead in the 36th minute, hammering home a shot off an assist from Vicho Castro. Oregon State headed to the locker room leading 1-0.
Logan Farrington forced a save on a deflected shot early in the second half. The Tar Heels nearly equalized in the 53rd, as they had a shot bounce off the post and across the face of goal. Castro hammered one into the outside of the side netting in the 63rd minute.
The Tar Heels pressed forward down the stretch, looking to force overtime. Luis Castillo held a clean sheet to lock down the victory.
The Beavers will face Notre Dame on Friday. Stay tuned to OSUBeavers.com for updates on the game time and television info.
OUR MISSIONOregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
