Beavers Take Early Lead, Fall to Ducks
EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon State women’s soccer team held an early lead, but could not overcome a resurgent Oregon squad, as the Beavers fell to the Ducks 2-1 Friday afternoon in the Civil War series presented by PacificSource Health Plans, The Oregon 529 College Savings Network, McDonalds, Spirit Mountain Casino and Your Local Ford Stores.
“Our girls played a good game tonight,” said head coach Linus Rhode. “We conceded on a couple of set plays, but through the run of play we did very well. Next year starts now and our girls are up for it.”
Freshman Emma Jones had the first two chances of the match for Oregon State, forcing a pair of saves within the first 17 minutes. The Beavers (0-17-3, 0-11-0 Pac-12) opened the scoring in the 27th minute, when freshman Nikki Faris whipped a cross into the box that deflected off an Oregon (6-10-2, 2-7-1) defender on its way into the net.
Sophomore Kathryn Baker nearly doubled the Beaver advantage in the 31st minute when she took a shot from close range following a free kick, but the effort was saved. The OSU advantage lasted until the final minutes of the first half, when the Ducks scored on a scrum in the box following a corner kick.
Sophomore Sabrina Santarossa put a shot on frame in the 57th, but the goalkeeper was up to the challenge. The Oregon State back line was able to keep the score level until the 84th minute, when Oregon found the net with a header to take the lead. The Beavers pressed forward from there, but were unable to find an equalizer.
Freshman goalkeeper Bella Geist finished the match with four saves, bringing her season total to 126, two short of the school record.
The contest marks the end of Oregon State’s season, as well as the collegiate career of senior Julia Sattler, who started the match in the midfield.