Linus Rhode, the new head coach of the Beavers women's soccer team begins his tenure as an undefeated coach with win on Friday night in front of a good home crowd. Melissa Peck and Rachael Axon both scored to lead OSU to a 2-1 win over Portland State.

Returning starter Rachael Axon played well as the teams midfield general. She showed good composure with the ball at her feet and displayed flashes of offensive creativity, something I think has been missing from our midfield for at least a few years now. Najma Homidi also looked dangerous as an attacker. It seemed apparent that Rhode was eager for the first win as he used just two substitutes all match.

The Beavers will need ramp up for the start of conference play in October. The Pac-10 is no joke. Soccer Buzz and Adidas NCAA preseason rankings list USC, UCLA, Stanford and California in the national top 25. Soccer Buzz ranks OSU eighth in the Pac-10. USC is the defending national champion.

One unsolicited suggestion I have for coach Rhode is to return Najma Homidi back out on the wing. Her shake-n-bake style of play is more suited to wide play where she can better exploit the space and 1v1 defending. As a forward her quick changes of direction might be wasted in the tighter crowds.

To Bob De Carolis or whoever is in charge of spectator seating at Lorenz Field. PLEASE GET IT TOGETHER. The fans had to sit on the east side of the field which means the sun is blinding us until the second half when it hides behind the EMPTY BLEACHERS that we used to watch games from. Over three hundred fans watched the game with the sun in their faces while they were teased by the sight of nice shady bleachers. I know I'm not paying for admission Bob but come on, you don't need to make it difficult to watch the games.

Until October when I start complaining about not having a roof over my head to keep me dry.