Oregon soccer picked up yet another Pac-12 loss Thursday afternoon against Washington State. This marks their fourth consecutive loss in conference play this season extending their total season record to 6-6-0.
Washington State came into tonight’s match having just defeated No. 24 Utah 3-0. Both Megan O’Neill and Morgan Weaver contributed goals, and would continue their offensive contributions in this match.
Washington State drew first blood in the 20th minute when Brianna Alger scored on a vacant Oregon net, giving the Cougars an early 1-0 lead.
The Cougars did not take their foot off of the gas pedal following their first goal, and just 12 minutes after would convert yet again. This time, the ball was played in by Elyse Bennett to fellow forward Morgan Weaver, with which Weaver was able to volley the cross into the bottom right net. Weaver’s conversion would be the last of the first half, and the Cougars would take their well-earned momentum into the locker room.
Out of halftime, the Ducks, led by head coach Kat Mertz, attempted to make the necessary position and formation adjustments in order to combat the Cougars aggressive defensive press.  “We changed it up a little bit, adjusted our
“We changed it up a little bit, adjusted our formation,” Mertz said. “I think our team executed that quite well. The fouls happened, you know? You can’t let that affect your play. You can’t worry about the things you can’t control.”
Most notably of the match for the Ducks, defender Mia Costa executed a free kick in the 58th minute to make it 2-1. Costa put away the one-touch goal following a well-placed cross from the left side via Marissa Everett to bring the Ducks within one.
The Ducks attempted to continue their second-half surge, but would face an even more aggressive second stretch. Washington State’s aggressive defensive backline would not halt their efforts to keep the Ducks on their half. With that, Washington State placed eight shots on goal.
However, the Ducks would turn the tide with a press of their own in the remaining 20 minutes of play. Oregon’s defensive line proceeded to suffocate the Cougars offensive efforts, keeping possession on their half long enough to earn a few shots on goal of their own. Moreover, the Ducks counterattack grew in desperation as the game approached its conclusion which would lead to a number of turnovers and anxious fouling.
However, Oregon was unable to find the back of the net a second time.
The Cougars season record extends to 7-3-1 following the victory.
Staying in Eugene, the Ducks will continue their search for a Pac-12 victory on Sunday, Oct. 8 against the Washington Huskies at 1 p.m.
Follow Jack Taylor on Twitter @taylorjack36