The Oregon women’s soccer team played a grinding, physical game with Oregon State on Friday night, but came away disappointed after playing to a double-overtime, scoreless draw. The Ducks (7-5-2, 0-2-1 Pac-10) remain win-less in Pacific-10 play.
In front of one of the largest crowds ever at Papé Field, Oregon and Oregon State both struggled to get any kind of consistent pace going, mustering only eleven shots each. That total falls short of the Ducks’ 15.9 shots per game averaged going into the contest.
“I just expected a little bit more conviction at the end of it all, and not just in goal scoring,” head coach Tara Erickson said.
The Beavers (5-6-2, 0-2-1 Pac-10) were clearly more relieved than the Ducks to get a draw out of the game, and that was visible in their body language as the final whistle blew.
“We battled out there and it was a physical game,” Erickson said. “We looked a little out of sorts tonight.”
Both sides struggled to get quality scoring opportunities throughout the match. The Ducks opened early with good intensity, but the game slowed down and physicality dominated much of the second half. There were a total of 25 fouls and three yellow cards issued. The Ducks had two chances late in regulation but a header by sophomore Kirstie Kuhns glanced off the crossbar and sophomore Jen Stoltenberg launched an open shot just over the net.
Freshman keeper Cody Miles handled the Beavers’ five shots on goal and cruised to her fourth shutout of the season. She got help from solid play by the Duck defense, but the Ducks still showed their frustration after the game.
“I’m a little exasperated,” Erickson said. “I don’t feel like we played our best game.”
Following the missed opportunity against the Beavers, the Ducks are now one of five teams that remain without a win in conference play. With just six games left on the schedule, every game from here on out is crucial.
The Ducks will now prepare to host the Washington schools this week. The Cougars come into Friday night’s match-up ranked No. 24, while the Huskies are also looking for their first conference win.
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