Men's Soccer Releases Spring Schedule
April 10, 2013
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Highlighted by a pair of exhibition matches against the Portland Timbers, the Oregon State men’s soccer team released its spring schedule Wednesday.
The Beavers will renew their exhibition series with the Major League Soccer club April 27 when the Timbers U-23s (PDL) comes to Lorenz Field for an 11:00 a.m. match. Admission is open to the public and free of charge. Oregon State will return the favor with a trip to Portland to face the Timbers on May 3 at the team’s training center. That match will be closed to the general public.
“It’s great to see the continued relationship between Oregon State soccer and the Portland Timbers,” head coach Steve Simmons said. “They continue to be a tremendous organization and I know both squads will get something out of those games.”
The Beavers dropped a 2-1 decision to them in an August exhibition as the team prepared for the 2012 regular season.
“It’s always good to play against guys who are at that next level,” rising junior Khiry Shelton said. “Not a lot of teams get to do that, and we’re blessed that we are able to do that.”
Oregon State travels to the University of Portland to open the spring season with a pair of road matches Saturday. At noon, the Beavers face the Pilots, followed by a 1:30 p.m. kickoff against Pac-12 rival Washington.
The Beavers continue the schedule with a home match with Concordia on April 20 at 11:00 a.m. The following weekend sees the annual alumni match slated for 1:00 p.m. following the match against the Timbers PDL.
After a trip to face the Timbers, the Beavers conclude the spring schedule with a home match against Seattle University at noon on May 5. In preparation for this impressive schedule, Simmons is putting the team through its paces as spring practice. The players are happy with how things have progressed in the offseason sessions.
“Spring practice is going well,” rising sophomore Mikhail Doholis said. “It’ll be nice to get out there and a play a game for the first time since fall season.”
As with every year, the spring practices mark a transition period for a soccer program. The familiar faces of recently departed seniors are nowhere to be found, but the team is infused with fresh talent ready to make its mark on the club. Those newcomers have big shoes to fill with the loss of seven seniors, including current MLS pros Emery Welshman and Colin Mitchell.
Toronto FC selected Welshman with the 16th overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in January, and Mitchell went to San Jose in the Supplemental Draft soon after. The Earthquakes signed Mitchell last month. The Beavers are fortunate to have a veteran presence capable of filling in for the departed talent. Shelton and Doholis will be among those looking to lead the team into a fresh start in 2013.
Shelton tied for second on the team with four goals and was third with 10 points after playing in 15 games and starting 11. He had a three-game goal-scoring streak which included the game-winner against Manhattan in September. Doholis started 15 games as a freshman, netting two goals and adding two assists.
“Our team chemistry is high and we’re ready to go,” Doholis said.
Saturday’s road doubleheader with Portland and Washington begins at noon.
