The Ducks women’s soccer team lost to the Washington State Cougars on Sunday 1-0 in what was their final road game. With the loss, Oregon falls to 7-9-2 overall and 2-6-1 in the conference. Washington State improved to 11-6-1 overall and 5-4-1 in the Pac-12.
The final road trip of the season ended in disappointing fashion as the Ducks were looking to come home with a pair of wins and end the season on a high note. The two losses will be reminders to the younger players of just how competitive the Pac-12 conference is.
The game was close, one goal, but while good teams keep games close, great teams win close games. That divide has been the story of a season defined by one-goal losses.
“It was a physical battle,” head coach Tara Erickson told goducks.com. “We came out and fought hard. It probably could have gone either way but today, it did not go our way.”
The Turning Point. The Cougars got the game-winning goal in the 36th minute of play on a shot from Brandi Vega. It was one of her three shots on goal.
Overall, the Ducks lost the battle for shots on goal, only coming up with six while the Cougars tested keeper Abby Steele 13 times.
On The Horizon. The Ducks will be back in Eugene for their final game of the season against in-state rivals OSU where they will be honoring their seniors. The game is Friday at 4 p.m. at Pape Field.