**Correction: A previous version of this article stated Oregon must win its final two games to qualify for the postseason, when in fact the Ducks can still clinch a postseason berth with a win and a tie in their final two games.**
The Ducks dropped a critical game to the Washington Huskies 2-1 on Thursday at Husky Stadium. Thursday’s loss was the last that the Ducks can allow to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.
Both teams came into Thursday’s game with similar records: the Huskies (6-10-1, 1-7 Pac-12) and the Ducks (8-9-1, 2-7).
Washington struck first, with Kimberly Keever scoring in the 21st minute against Oregon’s freshman goalkeeper Katelyn Carter.
Carter started the game in place of injured Halla Hinriksdottir, who came out of last Thursday’s game after colliding with an Arizona player outside of the goal. Carter played all 90 minutes against Washington and had two saves. Her personal record is now 5-3-1.
Junior Abby Morrow and sophomore Marissa Everett had two shots each, while senior Marlo Sweatman added two.
Sweatman tied the game in the 72nd minute, scoring her second goal of the season. The Ducks now have 25 goals on the season, which is the most in program history since 2010.
Washington came back quickly, with Becca Schoales scoring in the 77th minute on an assist from Shaye Villamueva. The final score remained 2-1.
“We’re disappointed in tonight’s result, but I’m proud of our effort tonight,” head coach Kat Mertz said in a news release. “We fought hard to equalize the game.”
The Ducks only have two more games of the regular season, at Washington State on Sunday and at home against Oregon State next Friday. They must win both games or win one and tie the other in order to qualify for postseason contention.
Follow Alexa Chedid on Twitter @alexachedid18