KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech cranked up the defense, limiting Simpson without a shot attempt over the final 89 minutes, as the Hustlin' Owls opened up the 2026 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Simpson University.
The win for Tech (1-0) extended a season-opener unbeaten streak to eight and stretched an August unbeaten streak to 11 – using a 12-1 shot advantage in the clean sheet.
"I thought we were strong in moments and retained possession to control the game," said head coach
Sean McManamon. "We need to bury our chances and can continue to improve as a team."
The Redhawks (0-1) got an early shot attempt from Ariel Perez-Aviles that missed left of the target – the only chance OIT keeper
Noah Harwood faced in his collegiate debut.
OIT scored on their first set piece of the year, as
Nathan Becerra played a corner in the 12
th minute to the back post, finding the foot of
Yahir Ramos for the early lead.
Tech doubled the lead in the 36th minute as freshman
Layne Worrell touched home a cross down the end line from
Cannon Spooner.
The Owls had multiple chances to blow the game wide open, but were unlucky.
Raul Arzola stole a ball from SU keeper Jesus Montoya in the fourth minute, but couldn't get enough on a shot attempt. In the 27th minute, Worrell got behind the Redhawks defense, but couldn't get a quality touch, with the same going for
Dalton Rideout in the 59th minute on a back post attempt. In the 79th minute, Arzola eluded Montoya at the top of the 18, but his left-footed attempt was cleared off the goal line by the SU defense.
Andrew George put the match away in the 85th minute, collecting a through-ball from
Andre Ramirez and tucked away a 20-yard shot to the left corner of the net.
"Everyone gave their 100% when they were on the field and sacrificed for the team," McManamon said. "We are excited for our next opportunity."
OIT heads to Arizona next week for a pair of regional match-ups – meeting Benedictine Mesa and Embry-Riddle.
