Hustlin’ Owls Cruise Past Simpson 3-1 in Season Opener
REDDING, CA – The Oregon Tech men’s soccer team kicked off the 2015 season with a 3-1 win over Simpson University at Simpson Field Friday afternoon.
Luis Valdez got the Owls on the board early, taking a Grant Alexander through ball from the top of the 18, settling the pass and scoring past the Red Hawks charging keeper in the 19th minute. Oregon Tech scored on its own goal in the 20th minute as Nathan Wade attempted to clear a Simpson cross that unfortunately deflected off his leg into the Owls goal.
Just before the halftime whistle, Oregon Tech Freshman Trinidad Flores took a perfect Clayton Maves cross and scored past a diving Simpson keeper to put the Owls up 2-1 in the 43rd minute.
Flores stayed active, this time setting up teammate Daniel Blessinger in the 79th minute. Flores got past a defender, down the left flank, drawing out the Simpson keeper to set up Blessinger for the easy finish, giving Tech the 3-1 win.
OIT outshot Simpson 20-10 in the game and held a huge 9-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Oregon Tech Freshman Goal Keeper Gerardo Skewes got the win between the pipes picking up his first collegiate win.
Oregon Tech will next play against Embry Riddle University in a neutral site game at Corban University in Salem, Oregon on August 30 before hosting Trinity Lutheran College in the home opener on September 5 at Steen Sports Park.