Early Goal Dooms Ducks
EUGENE, Ore. – An early goal by San Francisco proved to be the decider as the Oregon soccer team fell 1-0 Friday night at Papé Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Just under five minutes into the game, San Francisco’s Camille Wilson corralled the ball and let rip a high-arching shot from the top of the box, putting it just out of reach of keeper Halla Hinriksdóttir’s outstretched arms and into the back of the net.
From there, it was largely a defensive battle for both teams as the Ducks allowed just seven total shots from the Dons while taking 13 themselves. Both goalkeepers played well as Hinriksdóttir collected three saves in her second straight start. San Francisco keeper Madalyn Schiffel played aggressively from the net as she attacked shots that came in front of her on multiple occasions and ended the night with six saves and no goals allowed.
The Ducks had a couple scoring chances in the second half as they looked to tie the match up. One of the best opportunities came at the 53:47 mark when Kira Wagoner got a shot off that looked like it might duplicate the lone Don goal but ultimately hit the crossbar and rolled out to the left side of the box.
Sophomore Abby Morrow also got a clean look at the goal in the 81st minute but Schiffel was right there to deny the equalizer.
WHAT IT MEANS: Even though her squad is starting the year 0-3, head coach Kat Mertz has continued to see her team improve and will look to build upon this loss. Tonight’s contest saw Oregon leading its opponent in shots for the third straight match and have more shots on goal for the second time this year. Seven newcomers saw action tonight including six true freshmen who are looking to make an impact on a team that is still working on finding its identity.
QUOTES:
Head Coach Kat Mertz
“The goal that we gave up was a ‘big five moment.’ We’ve talked about not giving up ‘big five moment’ goals and we’ve given up three this season. It’s disappointing to see that goal given up in the first five minutes. She hit a great shot, but we have to find a way to play like we did in the second half for 90 minutes.”
“We’re not good enough to just show up and win. We have to find a way to outwork players and teams. We have to find a way to compete and battle. The past three games, I’ve known that we were the better team, but if you look at the scoreboard, it doesn’t reflect that.”
UP NEXT: Oregon will be back in action in less than 48 hours as it hosts Fresno State Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Papé Field. The Bulldogs fell earlier today, 3-0, at Oregon State to remain winless on the season.
