Practice
Beavers Open 2016 Practice
August 10, 2016 | Men's Soccer
Veteran Group Brings Excitement to the Field
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Excitement was in the air Wednesday, as the Oregon State men's soccer team returned to the field for the first practice of the 2016.
"The guys are really excited and motivated to be back out here," said head coach Steve Simmons. "We have so many returners this year, so the excitement is mission-oriented. With this returning group that we have, we came out today with a high level of focus, looking to get ready for the season."
The Beavers took the field looking to get ready in a hurry, as they quickly close in on their first exhibition match of the year – Friday at 5 p.m. vs. the University of British Columbia. With a challenging schedule that features non-conference opponents Ohio State, Akron and UC Irvine, Oregon State knows its preparation this week this week will help it get off to a fast start.
"The team looked really good today," said senior Zach Striar. "Everyone was out here working hard, and everyone had a positive attitude."
An experienced group of veterans led the way in the first day of practice. Junior strike-partners Jordan Jones and Timmy Mueller have combined to score 34 goals over the last two seasons, making them one of the most potent forward pairings in the nation. At the back, the junior combination of Jalen Markey and Sam Tweeton spent most of 2015 as the Beavers' centerback pairing, and will look to continue their strong play in 2016. Sitting behind them will be junior goalkeeper Nolan Wirth, who started all but one game a year ago.
The Beavers will also look for big contributions from the senior trio of Striar, Devonte Small and Matt Arbogast.
"That level of experience means a lot," Simmons said. "These guys have been there before – they've been through the ups and the downs, and they know what they're capable of. They know what is to come, and I think that's crucial to us getting better."
Joining Oregon States bank of experienced players will be a group of seven freshmen, who enter the team looking to make a mark in their debut campaign.
"The freshmen looked really good today," Striar said. "A lot of the time you see freshmen come out there and they look a little apprehensive about playing at this level, but I didn't feel any of that today. They blended in nicely with the team and I think they'll be a good fit."
Following Friday's exhibition against British Columbia, the Beavers will host a second exhibition match against Portland on Aug. 19. Oregon State opens the 2016 campaign with a home match vs. DePaul on Aug. 26.
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution
"The guys are really excited and motivated to be back out here," said head coach Steve Simmons. "We have so many returners this year, so the excitement is mission-oriented. With this returning group that we have, we came out today with a high level of focus, looking to get ready for the season."
The Beavers took the field looking to get ready in a hurry, as they quickly close in on their first exhibition match of the year – Friday at 5 p.m. vs. the University of British Columbia. With a challenging schedule that features non-conference opponents Ohio State, Akron and UC Irvine, Oregon State knows its preparation this week this week will help it get off to a fast start.
"The team looked really good today," said senior Zach Striar. "Everyone was out here working hard, and everyone had a positive attitude."
An experienced group of veterans led the way in the first day of practice. Junior strike-partners Jordan Jones and Timmy Mueller have combined to score 34 goals over the last two seasons, making them one of the most potent forward pairings in the nation. At the back, the junior combination of Jalen Markey and Sam Tweeton spent most of 2015 as the Beavers' centerback pairing, and will look to continue their strong play in 2016. Sitting behind them will be junior goalkeeper Nolan Wirth, who started all but one game a year ago.
The Beavers will also look for big contributions from the senior trio of Striar, Devonte Small and Matt Arbogast.
"That level of experience means a lot," Simmons said. "These guys have been there before – they've been through the ups and the downs, and they know what they're capable of. They know what is to come, and I think that's crucial to us getting better."
Joining Oregon States bank of experienced players will be a group of seven freshmen, who enter the team looking to make a mark in their debut campaign.
"The freshmen looked really good today," Striar said. "A lot of the time you see freshmen come out there and they look a little apprehensive about playing at this level, but I didn't feel any of that today. They blended in nicely with the team and I think they'll be a good fit."
Following Friday's exhibition against British Columbia, the Beavers will host a second exhibition match against Portland on Aug. 19. Oregon State opens the 2016 campaign with a home match vs. DePaul on Aug. 26.
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution
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