The Oregon soccer team fell to Florida International University (FIU) in their final pre-season game on Sunday, September 18. The game was the second of two in the Oregon State University tournament, where the Ducks went 1-1, with a 2-1 win against UC Davis on Friday, and 2-1 loss to FIU on Sunday. FIU striker Ashleigh Shim opened up the scoring in the 21′ by dribbling through the defense to take a shot from the 6 yard box. Oregon was held scoreless in the first half, despite having 8 shots on goal to FIU’s 4. Early in the second half, FIU midfielder scored on a penalty kick rewarded after a foul committed by Oregon defender Taylor Jones, increasing the lead to 2-0. Oregon battled back with a goal from striker and leading scorer Julie Armstrong in the 62′, but it was not enough. The loss brings the Ducks overall record to 5-4-1. Oregon begins Pac-12 play this Friday, September 23, at home against Utah at 7:00 pm.
Crystal McNamara (15) of Florida International slides in to a challenge with Oregon’s Kiyomi Cook (14). (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Kelly Hutchinson (12) and Oregon’s Nicole Bakke (28) go up for a header. Florida International’s defense held up to Oregon’s relentless attacks in their 2-1 victory over the Ducks. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon striker Julie Armstrong (9) pressured by Florida International defender Sara Stewart. Florida International allowed 16 shots on goal but only allowed one in the net. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon battles back as a shot from Julie Armstrong slides past Florida International goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage (63′). Armstrong scored on a volley from Mo Fitzgerald’s cross. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Florida International University midfielder Sarah Stewart (19) and Oregon forward Mandy Mercier (7) battling for the ball. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Mo Fitzgerald (4) is held back by Florida International University’s Kelly Hutchinson (12). (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Nicole Bakke sends a pass through as Oregon pushes forward in the second half. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Allie Rodriguez (26) knocks Florida International defender April Perry (6) off the ball in the battle for the midfield. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Florida International midfielder Victoria Miliucci (18) struggling with Oregon’s Julie Armstrong (9) for possession. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Florida International University (FIU) players celebrate after Johanna Volz’s goal on a penalty kick (47′). (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
