University of Washington
Oregon State
Washington Falls To Oregon State On Senior Day
November 17, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Stats
SEATTLE – No. 9 Washington celebrated senior day on Sunday, closing out the regular season by falling to Oregon State, 2-0. The Dawgs controlled play for most of the game, but did not take advantage of opportunities, while the Beavers did.
“We created enough chances, but guys have to go do it,” said head coach Jamie Clark. “They get a half chance and bury it and then one in transition against the run of play. We just need to start finding goal scorers again in the run of play.”
The loss drops the Dawgs to 12-5-1 and 5-4-1 in Pac-12 play. Stanford defeated California in overtime to win the Pac-12 title, something Washington claimed last season. UCLA finished second in the conference, while the Huskies finished third. The victory for Oregon State moved them into a tie for fourth with Cal and likely made it five Pac-12 teams that will qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Washington had the first good change of the game when James Moberg tried a volley from outside of the box, but it was saved by the Oregon State goalkeeper. Minutes later, Mason Robertson also tried a dipping volley, but it went just over the bar.
The Dawgs seemed to have the better chances in the half, but it was Oregon State that scored with a great strike from Devonte Small. The Oregon State striker created just a bit of space and fired a high dipping shot that hit the crossbar and bounced down over the line.
The Beavers would take that lead to the half as Washington was unable to create any chances the rest of the half.
After the break, Washington again put the pressure on, outshooting the Beavers 9-4 in the half and taking five of the six corner kicks. Justin Schmidt and Robertson had shots on target, but the saves were made.
Instead, Oregon State made it a two-goal lead in the 74th minute when Khiry Shelton carried his dribble through the Husky defense for a nice individual goal.
The 2-0 lead seemed to demoralize the Huskies, although they continued to push forward. Clark began to use more of his bench, realizing the Pac-12 title was out of reach with the other games in the conference not providing the help the Huskies needed.
The game ended with Washington having a 15-11 edge in shots and 9-1 margin in corner kicks. The Dawgs also forced nine saves from Oregon State goalkeeper Matt Bersano, while Spencer Richey needed to make just three.
Richey was one of five seniors honored before the game, along with Chad Wissing, Darwin Jones, Charlie Ranahan and Andy Thoma. Wissing earned his first start of the season, while Jones was held out, but is expected back for the NCAA Tournament.
Washington will now await its NCAA fate with the selection show beginning at 10 a.m. on ncaa.com. The Dawgs are expected to be a top-16 seed that will receive a first round bye and host a second round game.
