The Ducks fall to Utah in their Pac-12 opener Friday, September 23 in front of a Papé Field record 1,207 fans. After a hot start to the season, the Oregon soccer team seems to have cooled down, giving up the match at home to the Pac-12 newcomers, the Utes. Oregon controlled the first half, holding possession with smooth passes through the defense and midfield. Utah’s attacks were kept in check by the Ducks defense, led by the redshirt junior center back, Lauren Thompson. Throughout the game Oregon was unable to connect up top, failing to deliver through balls over the top. They had success at times with the wide attack, spreading out Utah’s defense but were never able to connect with the net. In the second half the Utes battled back, taking over possession and capitalizing on lapses in defense to score twice. The Ducks fall to 5-5-1 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.
Bri Pugh of Oregon makes a run down the sideline during the first half of Oregon’s 2-0 loss Friday night at Pape’ Field. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon’s Maddy Mercier battles for a ball with Sarah Duncan during Oregon’s 2-0 loss Friday night at Pape’ Field. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Utah’s Katie Taylor goes for a ball deep in Oregon’s goalie box while Riley Smith gives pursuit. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon center back Lauren Thompson chasing down a ball at midfield. Thompson was an essential part of the Oregon defense, shutting the Utes down and breaking up plays. Unfortunately the Ducks offense could not reach the net as they fell 2-0 in their home opener. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon head coach Tara Erickson rallies her squad during halftime. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Utah’s Katie Taylor is defended by Scout Libke in front of Oregon’s goal. The Utes capitalized on defensive mistakes in the second half to score two goals. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon’s Shanelle Simien misses a tackle against Leslie Muirhead. As the second half wore on the Utes took control of the midfield. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Utah defender Avery Ford stops a through ball in the air. Oregon had difficulty connecting the midfield and attacking thirds of the field throughout the game. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Maddy Mercier chases after Abby Groth for possession in the second half. Mercier relentlessly attacked forward for the Ducks but was unable to find support to reach the net. (Jeff Matarrese/Oregon Daily Emerald)
The Utes celebrate their shutout win over Oregon in the team’s inaugural Pac-12 match. A Pape’ field record 1, 207 fans took in the disappointing result for the home team. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
