Beavers Take Down No. 21 UCLA to Open Pac-12 Play

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Oregon State men's soccer team opened Pac-12 play with a 1-0 road victory over No. 21 UCLA Thursday evening in Los Angeles.
 
The Beavers dominated the scoring chances in the contest, out-shooting the Bruins 11-3. The victory is the second-straight for Oregon State over a ranked opponent, after OSU topped No. 11 Denver last Tuesday. The contest also marked OSU's second ever road victory over UCLA.
 
Ellis Spikner netted the sole goal of the contest, a 14th minute strike off an impressive cross from Mouhameth Thiam. The tally was Spikner's second of the season, as he brought this season total to a team-high six points (two goals, two assists).
 
The Beavers created the first scoring chance of the match less than 10 minutes in, as David Perez had his effort from the right side of the box blocked out of play. Spikner put Oregon State in front in the 14th minute, as he slotted home a cross from Thiam from point-blank range.
 
Perez nearly doubled the Oregon State advantage in the 23rd minute, as his glancing header forced and impressive reaction save from the Bruin goalkeeper.
 
Oregon State controlled the bulk of the first half, out-shooting UCLA 8-1 in the opening 45 minutes and heading to the intermission up 1-0.
 
The Beavers absorbed some UCLA pressure early in the second half, as the back line held the Bruins without a true scoring chance to start the second 45. Gael Gibert nearly capitalized following a set-piece, as his effort forced a kick save from the UCLA's net-minder.
 
Dante Williams almost found himself in on goal in the 75th minute, but the UCLA back line did well to eliminate the threat. Spikner came close to notching a brace in the final 10 minutes of action, but UCLA's keeper saved the attempt.
 
Oregon State held UCLA without a shot on goal in the match, as it held its third clean sheet of the campaign.
 
The Beavers will continue Pac-12 play Sunday at San Diego State.
 
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