PORTLAND, Ore.- The University of Portland men’s soccer team beat Oregon State 2-0 on Sun., Sept. 7 at Merlo Field. Freshman Chris Sanders scored his second game-winner of the season and sophomore Heath Pearce provided an insurance goal to seal the win. Portland improves to 2-2-0 overall, while the the Beavers fall to 2-2-0.

Sanders was the beneficiary of a perfectly placed lead pass by Josh Simpson just under 12 minutes into the game. Sanders ran onto the ball just inside the box on the right side, took one dribble and sent a 10 yard strike to the opposite post. It was Sanders second goal of the season and Simpson’s first assist this year.

Pearce tallied his third career goal (second against OSU) in the 25th minute. Sophomore Miguel Guante centered the ball to Pearce about 40 yards out. Pearce took three dribbles then fired a shot to the right post past Beaver goalie Peter Billmeyer.

“We came out and played well,” said Pearce. “We started off the second half a little slow, but the first half we came out strong. It was a good turn around after the loss to Washington.”

Apart from the two Pilot strikes, neither team threatened often as Portland had 10 shots to the Beavers seven. It was an emotional match that saw 21 fouls called on each side and three yellow cards handed out.

The Pilot defense stymied Oregon State’s attack, forcing keeper Luis Robles to make just one save in recording his second shutout of the season. Billmeyer had two saves in the Beaver goal.

Sanders finished the day with three shots, while sophomore Sean Babcock had two shots on goal for Portland. All five of Babcock’s shots this season have been on frame. Oregon State freshman Robbie Findley recorded three shots to lead the Beavers.

“It’s a great win, the boys did well,” said Pilot coach Bill Irwin. “It was good to come back from the loss at Washington and get the job done. We’re heading off on a lengthy road trip so it’s nice to leave with a win under our belt.”

Portland will not return to Merlo Field until an Oct. 12 match against Saint Mary’s. The Pilots head to Creighton’s Ameritas Classic next weekend to face SW Missouri State and the host Bluejays. After road games at ranked CS Fullerton and current No. 1 UCLA, Portland heads north to the Husky Classic to play Kentucky and South Carolina. The conference schedule starts on the road at Gonzaga.

“We know it’s going to be tough,” said Irwin of the upcoming road schedule. “We’re looking to keep playing, keep battling and get a little more experience with each game. So, hopefully when we return to the friendly confines of Merlo Field, our guys will be battle tested.”