EUGENE, OR. - The Simpson University Men's Soccer team had to wait a little longer to kick off its 2023 season. The game was supposed to be played Sunday, August 20th at 4 PM in Eugene, OR but ended up being postponed until Monday at 9 AM due to poor air quality. 

The Red Hawks battled in a tightly knitted game but ultimately fell to the Beacons by the score of 2-3. The Beacons scored the game-winner in the 76th minute.

Bushnell struck first in the 4th minute of play. But Simpson responded back with back-to-back goals by senior forward Jesus Rodriguez in the 40th and 50th minute of play. The equalizing goal by Rodriguez was assisted by Jaime Gutierrez Velasco and the go-ahead goal was assisted by Alvaro Zarpellon's corner kick. 

The Red Hawks were outshot by the Beacons, 18-13. But key attackers included Rodriguez's seven shots, Michel Hampe four shots, three of which were on goal, and Christan Meza registering two shots. 

Senior Goalkeeper Daniel Morales was given the loss but had a respectable five saves on the day as he dealt with the Beacon attackers. 

Coach Gary Weaver admired his team's grit and fight to overcome adversity. "After our game was postponed to the next day, I thought we responded well to adversity and played hard. We created good attacking opportunities in the attacking third and converted on set pieces." 

Weaver states the importance of today's game as it allowed his players to mesh and cooperate. "We haven't had a full training session with the whole team available so it was good to see how we played together and we learned what we need to work on going forward."

Coach Weaver and the 2023 men's team are hungry and looking to grow and develop as they move forward in preseason play. "I am encouraged by our mentality as a team and looking forward to our next opportunity."

The boys will hit the road and travel down to the Bay area on August 24th to take on Menlo College at 4 PM.