The Oregon State women's soccer team is set to open its home schedule on Wednesday evening, hosting the Bushnell Beacons at 6:00 p.m. Pacific time. The matchup marks the Beavers' first appearance on their own turf this season and comes after a stretch of road games that yielded mixed results.
Bushnell, an NAIA program competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, arrives with a 6‑6‑4 record and a fifth‑place finish in conference play. First‑year head coach Toni Malone, a former Oregon State player who has spent recent years coaching in European professional leagues and the Women's Premier Soccer League, will rely on returning star Elidia Cervantes Carlos, who netted seven goals and added two assists as a freshman.
The Beacons' Young Core
The Beacons also feature sophomores Ohu Miles and Charlotte Vandercar, while senior defenders Adrie Lader and Brooke Richardson anchor a back line that lost goalkeeper Ana Augusto to graduation. With only redshirt freshman Gabriella Montes slated to start in goal, the defensive experience of Richardson is limited, creating a contrast to the Beavers' more seasoned attack.
Oregon State's recent performances have shown an inability to convert chances, as seen in narrow defeats to South Carolina and a high‑shot volume from Lipscomb. If the Beavers cannot find the net against a rebuilding Bushnell side, the early season narrative could shift toward another underdog story, reinforcing concerns about the team's offensive firepower.
Coach Malone's tactical adjustments will be closely watched as the program looks to translate its preseason promise into tangible results. The game also serves as a litmus test for the Beavers' ability to adapt after a series of road setbacks, and a positive outcome could provide the momentum needed to steady a season that has already faced its share of challenges.