Oregon State Women's Soccer Preview: Previewing the 2024 Non-Conference Schedule
We're just a week away from the start of OSU Women's Soccer, so before that begins we're going to take one last look at the Beavers schedule, and see what they'll be in for before the start of West Coast Conference play.
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August 4th vs Oregon (Exhibition)
We start off with a big one - the Beavers' biggest rival and former Pac-12 opponent. Last season, the Beavers and Ducks were the dregs of the Pac-12, with OSU's only conference win coming against Oregon, who did not win a conference game. While this year's Beaver squad is similar to last year's, the Ducks have had a big overhaul, with a lot of talent arriving and departing through the transfer portal.
August 15th vs Iowa and August 18th vs Montana (@ the Rumble in the Rockies)
OSU hits the road for the first time to head to a tournament hosted by the Grizzlies. The Hawkeyes will be the Beavers' first big test, as they won last year's Big Ten tournament. The Grizzlies were also a great team in 2024. After a 13-win season, they were a loss in the Big Sky Conference Final away from getting to the NCAA Tournament.
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August 23rd vs Trinity Western University (Exhibition)
The Beavers welcome the Spartans down from Canada for an exhibition. Trinity Western is a program that has seen a lot of success, with 5 Canadian National Championships, most recently in 2013. Last year's Spartans weren't championship level but still very good, going 19-8-4, though whether that can translate into success against larger American schools remains to be seen.
August 23rd at Idaho State
The Beavers travel to scenic Pocatello to face the Bengals. Side note: I grew up in Pokey so if you're traveling for the game and need a new food recommendation I'm your guy. Goody's is right off of campus so you can grab a Hot Italian or a Pizza Bomb after the game.
September 1st vs Yale
Yale should be a decent matchup for the Beavers. Last year the Bulldogs looked good in their non-conference schedule but cratered in Ivy League play. Not too dissimilar from the Beavers, though the Ivy isn't quite what the Pac-12 was.
September 5th vs Nebraska
The toughest team on Oregon State's non-conference schedule. Last year the Huskers went all the way to the NCAA quarterfinals, and while they've lost Eleanor Dale, their top goalscorer last season, Nebraska is still a deep and dangerous team.
RELATED: Oregon State Women's Soccer Preview: Looking for Improvement From the Midfielders in 2024
September 8th at Seattle
The Beavers travel to visit a future West Coast Conference member, and one they have a bit of history with. Oregon State is 4-0 against the Redhawks all time, though last year they tied the Beavers in an exhibition game.
September 12th vs Fresno State
Another team with some history with Oregon State who are looking for their first win over the Beavers. The Bulldogs are 0-4-1 all time against OSU, and with the two teams potentially future conference rivals it would be a good time for Fresno State to pick up their first win in the series.
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September 15th vs South Dakota State
Last year's Summit League champions could pose a threat to the Beavers. They're returning a couple of their best players from last season in midfielder Avery Murdzek and Forward Katelyn Beulke, so they shouldn't lose too much of a step from last year's team.
September 19th at Wyoming
The nonconference closes against another Mountain West school, and one that struggled last season. A win over the Cowgirls could give the Beavers some momentum as they start their West Coast Conference era, though Wyoming is gritty enough that it won't be a walk in the park.
And that's that. There's some real highlights there; Nebraska is going to be one of the toughest challenges the Beavers face this season, but Fresno State and South Dakota State should also be great games. There's a lot to look forward to this season in a new era for the program.
Having grown up in Pocatello, home of the Idaho State Bengals, John Severs is a lifelong fan of small schools that don't always deliver a lot of wins. Prior to writing for Sports Illustrated, John covered the Beavers for SB Nation's Oregon State blog Building the Dam, with a focus on baseball and women's basketball. When he's not watching college sports he spends most of his time reading, playing video games and annoying cats.