On Sunday afternoon, the University of Oregon men’s club soccer team won a match against Western Oregon 5-0. One of the key performers was defender Zach Donner, who had an impact on both sides of the ball. He held the line well, while also notching his first goal for the Ducks in the 20th minute.
The Emerald caught up with Donner after the game.
Good game from you guys today.
Yeah, I thought we played really well.
Getting the goal, walk me through it and the celebration after.
It was a corner, and they cleared it, but we brought it back up to the wing. The ball was crossed back in and I just slotted it in. Afterwards I was just a little too excited, swore, and the ref caught it. I shouldn’t do that, but its something where in the moment you are excited. My first goal for the team after playing last year up front and not scoring. Getting a goal in the second game of the season is exciting for me.
The defense played great as a unit, finishing with the shutout.
It is difficult because we lost a center back coming into the season. Two or three of our wingbacks also left after last season, so we are a relatively new back line. It’s hard to gel, but we did a great job. Yesterday we didn’t give up a goal, same as today. It helped being up a man, but even at the last moment we were clearing the ball off the line and doing well. We can slot in for each other at any position.
Speaking of being a man up, what happened in that play?
The ball was cleared from their back line and I went in to clear it. I got to the ball first and the guy came in. It was a bad challenge, but I don’t think it deserved a red card.
How is the leg now? I saw you got it taped up.
It was bleeding a little bit and it will be a huge bruise, but no worries.
The game as a whole was physical. How were you able to keep your composure?
We had Portland State yesterday, which was even worse. But you just don’t let anything get to you. After a challenge you get back into the game, stay focused and worry about the game.
Looking ahead what do you expect from this team and yourself?
We hope to go undefeated; I think we are totally capable of it. Just take it each game at a time. For myself just be consistent, not let any goals in and see if we can get another one.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @ChrisKeizur