Two days after enduring a 6-0 loss at the hands of No. 4 Portland on Wednesday night, the Oregon women’s soccer team rebounded Friday at Pape Field by playing to a 1-1 draw against undefeated Gonzaga (2-0-1). Senior midfielder Cristan Higa scored a goal with less than 15 minutes remaining in regulation tying the game at one, where it stayed through overtime. Higa’s goal in the second half came following a direct kick for Oregon (2-1-1) in which Kate Nelson of the Ducks lobbed the ball high across the Bulldogs’ penalty box where it glanced off a Gonzaga defender, soared skyward and landed at the right foot of Higa. The Diamond Bar, Calif., native’s shot was well-placed beating goalkeeper Ashley Haugen and a screen of Bulldog defenders.
The goal marked the second goal of the season for Higa and the fourth of her career. Oregon head coach Tara Erickson was content with how well her team played Friday in light of Wednesday’s loss but would have liked another goal.
“One more goal, that’s all I wanted more from my girls tonight,” said Erickson.
“We were aggressive in the second half and we need to try and do that for an entire game. I liked our enthusiasm tonight, but I’m not pleased with a tie.”
The Ducks had many opportunities to score during the game, including a chance in the second half when senior midfielder Caitlin Gamble took a wide open shot from 15 yards out that found only Haugen’s open arms. It was one of Haugen’s four saves in the game. The Bulldogs drew first blood early in the second half, capitalizing off of a turnover made by the Ducks just yards away from Oregon goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield.
Gonzaga’s Christine Soma tapped in a short cross following the turnover in the 58th minute that was partially touched by Oregon defender Darcie Gardner. It was the freshman forward’s third goal of the season.Chatfield was unbeatable otherwise.
Even with six goals allowed Wednesday, the freshman Eugene native showed no lack of confidence Friday, making six saves against the Bulldogs. Oregon closes its five-game homestand Sunday at 1 p.m. when it hosts Erickson’s former team Portland State. Erickson coached the Vikings for four years prior to taking her current job at Oregon

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