Men’s Soccer Begins New Era at Oregon State

The Beavers kick off their 2009 campaign when they play host to the Aztecs of San Diego State Friday Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Salem-News.com Sports

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Oregon State men’s soccer team opens up its fall camp Wednesday as the Steve Simmons era officially begins. The day started out with two hours of practice in the morning and another two hours in the afternoon which was immediately followed by time spent in the weight room.

“The players are in good spirits and eager to compete,” men’s soccer head coach Steve Simmons said. “I’m pleased with the overall fitness of the team. However, there are many things we need to do on the soccer side to get on the same page. That will come in time.”

The Beavers are coming off a 6-9-4 overall record and a 3-5-2 record in the ever challenging Pacific-10 conference was good enough for fifth out of the six team league.

The first on-field test for the Beavers will come in the form of a home exhibition game against Trinity Western on Sunday August 23 starting at 7pm.

Oregon State returns only four starters and 11 letter winners from last year’s squad and will rely heavily on the play of their 14 newcomers.

Sophomore forward Danny Mwanga is the leading force on offence for the Beavers coming off a four goal, eight point season which earned him Pac-10 Freshman of the year honors.

“It’s hard to tell this early, but it seems the newcomers appear to be adjusting well,” Simmons said.

The Beavers kick off their 2009 campaign when they play host to the Aztecs of San Diego State Friday Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

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