'Dogs hit Oregon Trail

Men's soccer begins its second season in PAC-10 with weekend games at No. 13 Washington and Oregon State

By John McHugh

The Fresno State men’s soccer team travels to the Pacific Northwest to face No.13 Washington at 7:15 p.m. Friday and Oregon State Sunday at 1 p.m.

Fresno State head coach Dave Chesler said he is confident in the Bulldogs’ ability to compete in the upcoming Pac-10 matches.

“ There is nothing left to be unexpected,” Chesler said. “We’ve played a very difficult schedule and this weekend will be the same. I never sense a nervousness in the team. They know what they’ve got to do and they know what they’re capable of.”

Fresno State is playing well entering Friday’s match against No.13 Washington after winning three of the last four games.

“ We’ve got some good momentum and we’ve moved to 3-5,” Chesler said. “We should have won the last four, but [at least] were scoring regular in every game.”

Freshman midfielder Chris Murphy is Fresno State’s leading points scorer with three goals and an assist.

“ [The Huskies] are undefeated, but if we play our best, there’s no reason we can’t beat them,” Murphy said. “Individually, scoring two goals was a good experience for me.”

Fresno State senior forward Matt Herold is looking forward to the weekend’s games.

“ We want to get two wins and get off to a good start in the Pac-10,” Herold said, “Any team can beat any team. It’s about who turns up on the day.”

Coach Dave Chesler faces up against his alma matter and former employer— Washington—in a homecoming of sorts. Unbeaten in seven games, Washington 6-0-1 has won all three tournaments it has played in this year

“ I coached there, so I know what it’s going to be like. [Washington has] got some good momentum. It’s going to be a very challenging game.”

Washington sophomore midfielder Leo Totev scored two goals and assisted on a third in the Huskies last match, earning him the Pac-10 player of the week award. Fresno State goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg has played every minute of the regular season and will need to be in the form that earned him the Pac-10 player of the week on Sept. 16, to keep the Washington and Oregon State forwards out.

Oregon State 6-3-0 has scored 20 goals in nine games and sophomore Ryan Johnson leads the nation with nine assists.

Freshman Robbie Findley is also a threat with 6 goals.

“ Oregon State’s schedule hasn’t been as difficult,” Chesler said. “The descriptions I’m getting is that they’re very physical…and fairly easy to break down.”

There are two injuries for Fresno State as freshman forward Heber Mora is out with a sprained ACL and Murphy is doubtful with an over extended knee.