The Oregon State University men's soccer team has had a long year filled with a mix of dramatic upsets and heartbreaking defeats.
Ingenious play and momentum was often stifled by inexperience, injury or misfortune.
However, despite having a losing record, the Beavers (5-10-2 overall, 3-5-1 Pac-12) could still clinch a third-place tie in the Pac-12 with a win this Friday at the University of Washington.
The Beavers, who went just 1-9 in Pac-10 play last year, beat Washington in their conference opener Sept. 30.
"It feels great to get those conference wins," said head coach Steve Simmons. "Moving forward is our main objective and I think we did that this year."
The Beavers must stay hungry in a conference that continues to strengthen every year.
"I'm upset about how we've done overall with respect to our record," said senior goal keeper Steve Spangler. "But I'm happy to see how our team has grown from our challenges."
The Beavers indeed have grown this year, notching two more conference wins than the year before and playing with better overall confidence and tenacity.
"We want to approach Friday's game just like every other one, regardless of the circumstances," Simmons said. "We still want to win, not just to show how far we've come, but to give the guys something to build on in the offseason."
The recurrent theme surrounding this year's squad was their youth and inexperience.
"Sometimes learning hurts," Simmons said. "Next year we have to show that we've grown up. No more excuses, the guys have to step up and show what they are made of."
The Beavers will return all but two players: Spangler and defender John Swenson. Although these seniors' contribution to the Beaver defense will be greatly missed, talented players will fill their places.
"This is the best group of goalkeepers that we have had in some time here at Oregon State" Spangler said. "I have confidence in all three of the starting candidates: Clint Long, Matt Bersano and Andrew Glaeser."
The Beavers return a potent attack including strikers Emery Welshman and Roberto Farfan. Colin Mitchell, who was second-team All-Pac-10 in 2009, and Alex Eckerson, who leads the Beavers in goals scored, also return.
"It's going to be an awesome year for them," said a nostalgic Spangler. "I'm really excited for them, the possibilities are endless."
James Leathers, sports writer
sports@dailybarometer.com
is a member of the 
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