Fairfield University Athletics

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- A pair of goals in the final eight minutes of regulation were enough to lift the Fairfield University men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Oregon State University in the season opener for both teams. The Stags managed to put just six shots toward the Oregon State goal but two of those attempts found the back of the net.

"This is a great result on the road against a Pac-12 opponent," Head Coach Carl Rees said. "Tonight was a great effort and I am delighted for the lads."

The two teams played to a scoreless first half with Oregon State earning more of the scoring opportunities, outshooting the visiting team by a 5-3 count. Fairfield goalkeeper Gordon Botterill, who made his collegiate debut, made two saves on those attempts to keep the game scoreless by the end of the half. Ben Wignall accounted for the Stags' first two shots before Marcus Nordgard took the final attempt of the half. 

The Beavers started the second half with an aggressive attack that resulted in three corner kicks and a pair of shots over the first 15 minutes. Oregon State finally broke through in the 69th minute when the team was awarded a penalty kick. Timmy Mueller, a preseason All-Pac 12 selection, stepped over the ball and pushed a shot that found the far corner that resulted in the game's first goal. Oregon State had the next opportunity when Mueller was able to put a header on a cross that sent the ball toward goal. Botterill moved over to make the save and keep the Stags within a goal.

Fairfield tied the game on its next shot which came about when a pair of newcomers combined to create and finish the chance. The Stags were awarded a corner kick in the 81st minute which sent Matt McGlinchey to the far corner. He inserted the ball back into play, finding Don Junior-Bobe open in the box. Junior-Bobe finished the opportunity at 80:28, tying the game at 1-1.

Five minutes later, Fairfield received a free kick which ended up setting up Angus Hastings, who provided the deciding goal by redirecting the kick from a few yards away at the 85:50 mark. Down a goal, Oregon State applied pressure up front which resulted in three shots over the final three minutes but two of the attempts went wide with the third sailing over the crossbar. 

"The team battled throughout and overcame the adversity of a penalty kick," Rees said. "They pushed down the stretch to create two well-taken goals. Matt McGlinchey's delivery from the set pieces combined with the aggression of Angus and the poaching instinct of Don Junior-Bobe sent us to a 1-0-0 start."

Botterill faced 14 shots from Oregon State and made four saves, two in each half. 

The Stags will finish their west coast swing on Sunday when they head to the University of Portland for an 8 pm kick off (EST).