The Oregon soccer team has a “Bi-Mart Rally Clock” promotion at home games, where a fan can win gift certificates if the Ducks score within certain time periods.
On Sunday, the fans cleaned up big-time.
Two days after beating No. 19 San Diego, 3-0 on Friday, Oregon blew out Eastern Washington 5-0 on Sunday. The Ducks shattered many team records over the weekend, and took a step closer toward their goal of a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
“Each game presents a unique challenge, and we were able to respond to those challenges this weekend,” Oregon head coach Bill Steffen said. “We were happy that we were able to put out consecutive efforts.”
Oregon’s biggest win this weekend was Friday’s victory over San Diego. The Toreros became the highest-ranked team ever to fall to Oregon, and the Ducks felt they made a statement about their ability to beat good teams this season.
“That game, we really came together,” said senior midfielder Chalise Baysa, who had a goal Friday and two Sunday. “We played really well.”
Baysa opened the scoring Friday with a goal in the first minute of the second half. Twenty-eight minutes later, senior Beth Bowler rocketed a free kick into the upper left corner of the San Diego net, and sophomore Ann Westermark added another score with 15 minutes left on the clock. When the final whistle sounded, the Ducks jumped up in celebration of the upset.
The win over USD vindicated Oregon’s 6-1 defeat last year in San Diego.
“The kids were very motivated. They were upset about how they played last year,” Steffen said. “It was very redeeming for them.”
Sunday, the Ducks took care of business against an overmatched Eastern Washington team.
Freshman Nicole Garbin opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a chip-shot over the head of Eagles goalie Jonna Melton. The play was set up by Bowler, who stole the ball at midfield, and junior Julie McLellan, who crossed the ball to Garbin. Thirteen minutes later, Baysa struck after a pass from Westermark. Senior Crystal David made it 3-0 at halftime with a well-placed header, then Baysa and junior transfer Sarah Denner added goals in the second half.
Baysa broke her second major Oregon record with her first goal Sunday. The senior broke Erin Anderson’s all-time Oregon points record, after she shattered Anderson’s career-goals record last year. Garbin also felled an Oregon mark with her fourth game-winning goal Sunday, which broke the old school record for game-winners. Garbin leads the team with five goals this season.
Baysa, despite the impressive record, said she was most excited about her team’s play over the two games.
“I don’t really know which (records) I have,” Baysa said. “If the team’s doing well, I’m happy.”
On the other side of Oregon’s offensive explosion this weekend was a solid defense. Goalkeeper Sarah Peters recorded her second- and third-career shutouts this weekend, with help from freshman Domenique Lainez, who played the second half Sunday.
“We have more confidence this year,” Peters said. “And I know the team has more confidence in me as well.”
Oregon’s big wins this weekend set up an intriguing matchup between the Ducks and No. 5 Portland on Wednesday. Oregon will face the formidable Pilots on the friendly turf of Papé Field, where the Ducks are 4-0 this season. Oregon will take on Portland at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.