Bring on the Pac.
In a contest advertised as one of the more difficult games on the Ducks’ non-conference slate, Oregon (6-1) remained unfazed, defeating Furman (1-5) 17-8.
Gloomy skies did little to dull Oregon’s offensive brigade, as seven different Ducks scored in a game that saw Oregon outshoot the Paladins 36-20.
“Playing a full 60-minute game today is our biggest thing,” Morgan McCarthy said. “I think we did that today.”
McCarthy (six goals) got the scoring going for the Ducks, scoring an unassisted goal straight off the face-off to net the game’s first goal just nine seconds in.
After Furman knotted the score, Katie Collins quickly added another goal after a lengthy Ducks possession.
Oregon dominated the face-off winning all of the first four draws. Lauren Rismani quickly got the Ducks set up in their offensive zone resulting in a Riley Taylor score to make it 3-1.
Rachel Pallo and the Ducks’ defense was engaged early, only allowing two shots on goal during the first ten minutes. Both of the Paladins’ shots however, found the net Thayer Hubbard (five saves) struggled early..
With time winding down in the first quarter, Madysyn Sweeney rifled through the Paladins’ defense and found the net, making the score 4-2.
Both teams traded tallies to start the second quarter, with Oregon continuing to dominate in the shots and draws-controlled categories.
Taylor (four goals) added two more goals five minutes apart, giving her a hat-trick before Rachel Pallo added another to extend the lead to four. Oregon seemed to have all of the momentum. Taylor added another score but it was quickly called off due to a foul.
Paige Harman added another score on the ensuing women-up advantage before Roser added another tally cutting the Ducks’ lead to three.
Although controlling the majority of play, Oregon was held back — yet again — by fouls. The Ducks had an astounding 23 calls against them at the half, compared to just five from Furman.
“I’m not going to hold them back with how aggressive they play,” head coach Jessica Drummond said. “Some of the fouls are going to happen in our game. For us, that kind of defines how we play.”
In Pac-12 play, those fouls could prove costly. Sunday afternoon, however, they proved largely insignificant.
Heley Cummins found the net for the second half’s first goal. On the very next possession, Pallo scored another darting in from the left side and roofing a shot to make the score 10-5.
The Paladins quickly rebuked a pair of goals and cut the Ducks’ lead to just three.
Oregon quickly bounced back, and the lead began to balloon.
McCarthy, Simmons, Taylor and Cummins combined to net the game’s next six goals, extending the lead to 16-7.
Harman got one back for Furman, but Oregon controlled the ball throughout almost the entirety of the fourth quarter, running the clock out on a heavily lopsided game. McCarthy netted her sixth score of the contest, moving her career goal total to 99.
“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to play here,” McCarthy said. “Coming all the way from New York, coming here has been the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“Her leadership, her grit, just how hard she goes is so empowering,” Drummond said of McCarthy. “I just love how she steps on the field and she’s locked in.”
Although the final score appears lopsided, Furman was one of the better teams Oregon has faced off with thus far. This same Paladins team scored nine goals just last week against the No. 2 team in the nation: James Madison.
Pac-12 play begins next Saturday against Cal. Face-off is set for noon at Papé Field.
“I’m so excited to start conference play,” Drummond said. “We keep talking about it but we love defending Papé, being able to start conference play at home is awesome.”
