via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Wolfgang Alvardo posted a first half brace, lifting Oregon Tech to a 4-2 victory over Simpson University in the first leg of the Sky Cup series at the OIT Soccer Field.
Battling for the new traveling trophy determined by the aggregate score of the home-and-home series, the Owls (2-0) scored two goals over a 69-second stretch of the first half to grab a lead and rode a 16-9 edge in total shots to the victory.
“I thought we took our chances well and got our foot on the ball to break Simpson down,” said head coach Sean McManamon. “It was tough to break their mid-block, but the boys remained patient and moved the ball efficiently. I am happy with the three points, but I know we can continue to learn and get better performances.”
Tech broke through in the 23rd minute, Lennyn Solis played a short cross to Alvarado, who ripped a low left-footed 25-yard strike into the bottom right corner of the net. A minute later, Cash Cota jumped on a rebound of a Dalton Rideout shot attempt, slotting home a strike into the right corner of the net for a two-goal lead.
The Redhawks (0-1) cut the margin to 2-1 in the 29th minute, as off a throw-in, Anthony Mora slipped a low shot into the left corner of the net, but OIT got the goal back inside the final five minutes of the period as Alvardo collected a Grayson Barker feed and ripped a 30-yard laser into the net.
OIT extended the margin to 4-1 later in the contest on a counter-attack, as Manny Garcia found Arthur Proost behind the defense, with the forward winning a 1-v-1 battle with SU keeper Jesus Morales. The Redhawks closed the scoring with a penalty kick in the waning seconds.
Keeper Ryan Solis earned the win, making two saves, with Alvarado leading Tech with four shot attempts.
The Owls have the weekend off, prepping for a trip next week to California – with games at Hope International and The Master’s.
