Gonzaga Men's Soccer Draws 1-1 with Oregon State

Gonzaga men’s soccer returned home Tuesday and came away with a 1-1 draw against Oregon State. It marked the third consecutive Gonzaga game in which each side failed to score more than one goal.

Oregon State played an aggressive first half, out-shooting Gonzaga 5-2 and recording nine fouls to Gonzaga’s five. When the Bulldogs had the ball in their own half, the Beavers played a seven-man press, creating several early turnovers. If Gonzaga managed to break this press, the Oregon State back line was quick to slow down the move forward.

The Beaver attack paid off when sophomore Eddie Prugh scored in the 39th minute. Prugh took a through ball from freshman Alex Penny, flicked the ball forward and outran Gonzaga’s left back before shooting left across his body. The shot sailed past senior Scott Barnum and into the side netting, putting Oregon State up 1-0.

In the second half, the Bulldog offense created more chances on net, yet was out of sync. Gonzaga could not connect on set pieces, including two corners that landed in the box. They also tried more one-on-one runs, which often left the man on the ball stranded on the wing with nobody in support.

Their best offensive chance came from senior Nick Barclay, who in the 78th minute split Oregon State defenders trying to pinch him at the top of the box. Barclay had a good look from the left side, but failed to test sophomore Steve Spangler with the shot.

Gonzaga pulled even in the 84th on a Barclay penalty kick set up by Joel Schilperoort. Two Oregon State defenders converged on the sophomore, who was one touch away from a wide-open look inside the box.

Emotions ran high throughout the match, which ended with a total of 22 fouls and six yellow cards. Gonzaga now carries a one win, one loss, and two tie record into this weekend’s Gonzaga Nike Soccer Classic, when they will face off against Georgia Southern on Friday and Detroit on Sunday.