After taking an early lead Oregon women’s soccer couldn’t find a way to hold on, losing 2-1 against Colorado Sunday afternoon at Papé Field.
“Pac-12 points are hard to come by,” Oregon coach Kat Mertz said. “You are always fighting for a point here or there, so to see it disappear like that is disappointing.”
The first goal of the game came via Oregon striker Kristen Parr in the seventh minute; the earliest Oregon (6-5-2, 2-2-1 Pac-12) has scored this season. Allie Rodriguez sent a ball into the box where Parr was able to collect it. She then calmly turned and sent a rocket toward the far post, slipping it past Colorado goalie Kate Scheele. The goal was Parr’s first since August 31st in a game against Loyola Marymount.
In the second half it looked as if Oregon had scored again after midfielder Ryann Davie found the back of the net. However, a foul by Parr waved off the play.
“I thought we could have gotten that second goal there, I’m not sure what the foul was in the box,” coach Mertz said.
Rather than roll over, Colorado (10-4, 3-2 Pac-12) answered with a goal of its own in the 74th minute. Capitalizing on the strong build up play of teammates Olivia Pappalardo and Brie Hooks, Colorado junior midfielder Kahlia Hogg took advantage of a perfect through ball to tie the game 1-1.
In the 77th minute, it looked as if the Ducks would strike again to break the tie. Senior forward Shanelle Simien found herself past the defense for a breakaway look on goal. Somehow Simien was able to get the shot off despite Scheele crashing into her. The ball couldn’t quite find the mark, just missing wide right.
The final goal came late in the game, as the Buffaloes were able to put away Oregon. Forward Madison Krauser sent a shot toward goal that was deflected away by Oregon goalie Lauren Holden. The deflection didn’t make its way out of the box, allowing Hogg to score her second goal of the game on the rebound.
Oregon couldn’t recover, losing the match.
“Its just our mentality,” coach Mertz said. “We just need to go back to what we do well, holding the ball and settling down.”
The Buffaloes outshot the Ducks 12-9. Parr had the most production for Oregon, leading the team with two shots on goal.
A noticeable absence for the Ducks was star senior goalkeeper Abby Steele, who was kept out of the game after taking a fall during a 1-0 victory against Utah. In the 80^th minute Steele collided with a teammate, forcing backup Holden to finish the game.
Holden again took over goalie duties today. She finished the game with five saves.
“I thought she did well,” Mertz said. “Second half; there were some good moments there and some moments when she may have been on her heels. Abby wont be here next year, so I think this was a great test for her.”
There is no news as to when Steele will be able to return to play.
Helping their keeper was the Oregon defense, who played well as a unit despite the final score. They communicated well and kept their composure when things broke down. The standout from the group was senior Reilley Moore, who used her size and length to disrupt things in the defensive third.
To help support the fight against breast cancer, the Oregon players and coaches wore pink. Many of the players also dyed their hair pink as well.
The Ducks will hit the road for their next game as they travel to Pullman, Washington to face the Cougars on Sunday.
Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur