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CORVALLIS, Ore. --- Oregon State's Graham Smith scored on a header in the first half and Jordan Jones added a goal after the break as the Beavers claimed a 2-0 win over the Portland Pilots in a non-conference men's soccer game played on Thursday night at Lorenz Field. The loss snaps Portland's six-game winning streak over the Beavers and it drops the Pilots to 1-3-3 on the year.
 
Oregon State, which is receiving votes in the most recent NSCAA National Poll, improves to 6-1-0.
 
The first half was wide open as both teams created multiple chances, and it was Steven Corbett who had perhaps the best shot for Portland in the eighth minute. Brandon Zambrano sent in a dangerous ball from right of the goal, and Corbett's re-direct from about 12 yards out was just high of the crossbar.
 
On the other end, goalkeeper Paul Christensen and the Portland backline repeatedly denied the Beavers. In the 19th minute, Christensen made a big-time save on a shot from Khiry Shelton, who was the recipient of a thru ball to create a 1-v-1 opportunity.
 
The Beavers would eventually capitalize on their ninth corner of the first half. On a ball driven in by Will Seymore, Graham Smith elevated to finish with his first goal of the season, giving Oregon State a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute.
 
Portland's offense continued to create chances following the OSU goal and the Pilots repeatedly sent quality crosses into the box. But the Pilots were ultimately unable to connect on that final ball and entered the locker room trailing 1-0 at the half.
 
Following the break, OSU put pressure on the final third and again Portland's freshman keeper came through with some clutch stops. In the 53rd minute, Christensen made a diving save to push away a well-hit shot off the foot of Smith.
 
The Pilots then received a boost off the bench when sophomore and reigning West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year Eddie Sanchez stepped onto the pitch in the 59th minute. Sanchez has missed the first six games this season due to an injury.
 
Moments later, Zambrano had a shot saved after a great ball sent forward from Hugo Rhoads in the 75th minute. Oregon State goalkeeper Matt Bersano smothered the shot from 14 yards out and he sparked a counter for the Beavers, which resulted in their second goal.
 
This time it was Jones who went top shelf with a header from 16 yards out, courtesy a nice service from Shelton.
 
Christensen finished with four saves on the night, while Bersano finished with just the one stop on nine total shots from the Pilots.
 
The Pilots next jump on a plane and head to Denver, Colo., to face the No. 21 Denver Pioneers on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (Pacific) at Denver Soccer Stadium.