Gardner-Webb Upsets Oregon State 1-0, Advances to NCAA Tournament Facing Denver

Gardner-Webb Defeats Oregon State in NCAA Tournament

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Thursday evening, the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs secured a 1-0 victory over Oregon State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Senior midfielder Caio Hughes scored the only goal in the 72nd minute. He led Gardner-Webb with four total shots, while six teammates each contributed one shot. Goalkeeper Alan Horrocks played a crucial role, achieving his seventh clean sheet of the season.

The game started with Gardner-Webb applying pressure, taking multiple shots early on. Hughes attempted two strikes that Oregon State’s goalkeeper saved in the 19th and 35th minutes.

Oregon State had a scoring chance midway through the first half, but Horrocks blocked a shot from Sergi Solans, keeping the game scoreless at halftime.

The second half saw strong defensive plays from both teams. However, Hughes broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. He was unmarked in the box and scored, with assists from Tiago Campos and Lucas Mauro.

After the goal, Gardner-Webb maintained control, not allowing a single shot in the last 18 minutes.

Next, Gardner-Webb will face the University of Denver on Sunday, November 24, at 3 PM in Denver, Colo.