Oregon State’s men’s soccer program is gearing up for its first exhibition match of the 2026 season, a milestone that comes as the Beavers undertake a comprehensive rebuild of their defensive unit.
A Revamped Defensive Core
Head coach Justin Stewart has emphasized continuity and competition, noting that the squad will lean on a mix of seasoned returnees and promising newcomers to shape a backline that can hold its own in the revamped Pac‑12 landscape.
At the heart of the new backline is goalkeeper John Nicholson, who posted a 1.57 goals‑against average and recorded four shutouts last year, providing a reliable last line of defense.
Returning defenders such as Sava Catlett, Jacob Zapien and Oriol Vidal bring a blend of experience and versatility, while the coaching staff has identified them as potential starters in a four‑man defensive line.
Adding depth are fresh faces Nicolas Pietrantonio, Henry Blake, Carlos Martinez and Gavin Wolff, each of whom arrived with strong collegiate credentials and are now being evaluated for minutes in training.
Key Players to Watch
Sava Catlett, who netted two game‑winning goals despite limited playing time, is expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, while Pietrantonio earned American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025, underscoring his impact.
Freshmen Martinez and Wolff are also on the radar, with the coaching staff indicating they could see field time as the team experiments with different formations ahead of the exhibition.
Beyond individual performances, the Beavers are focused on translating their rebuilt defense into a competitive edge as they prepare to contend for a spot in the new Pac‑12 conference, a challenge that will test both depth and cohesion.