University of Oregon
Ghana World Cup Team (Ex.)
Ducks fall 2-0 to Ghana in World Cup Tune-up
09/03/03 | Women's Soccer
EUGENE - The University of Oregon women's soccer team (2-0, 0-1 exhibition) suffered its first loss of the season in an exhibition Wednesday against the Ghana Women's National Team at Pape' Field. The Ducks were cheered on by 1,239 fans - their second-largest crowd ever - and likely the loudest thanks to a buoyant mix of drums and chants from the visiting spectators.
The Ducks were deadlocked with the Black Queens 0-0 at halftime as the home squad held a 5-3 advantage in shots. However, in the second half, forward Adjoa Bayor scored two goals in the opening five minutes as Ghana's speed and coordinated passing schemes helped them hold the upper hand in the final 45:00. The first goal came at 48:40 on a 16-yard line drive to the top right corner from the left corner of the box, followed by a hard, arcing shot from 23 yards center to the left side.
Both of Ghana's scores came unassisted against Duck senior keeper Mary Etter who started the second half and came up with a game-high five saves in her 25:00 of duty. Redshirt sophomore Domenique Lainez started the game in goal and had one save in 45:00 of play, and true freshman Emily Marrer ended the contest with three saves in 20:00 of action.
'Soccer is a unique sport since a college team can play a dream team of great players from another country,' Oregon women's coach Bill Steffen said. 'Tonight was a rare opportunity to learn against a high-caliber team, while our coaches got another chance to evaluate our players. We saw some good combinations and units, and a lot of positive things. There were other things we need to address which is good because that's how you can continue to get better. In the first half, we did a better job of possessing the ball than them, although their athleticism still gave them some scoring opportunities. In the second half, we didn't pressure them enough initially and you can't do that against capable players because they have several that are capable of dangerous things.'
Overall, at game's end, Ghana's 15 second-half shots led to a 18-6 advantage, and the opponents and also led in fouls, 10-6. Oregon's goalkeepers ended with a 9-2 advantage, and the Ducks tied their opponents in corner kicks 2-2.
Individually for Ghana, Adjoa Bayor led Ghana in shots (8) and shots on goal (4), and reserve Alberta Sackey added 3 shots with two on goal. Goalkeeper Abiba Sulemana claimed two saves in the shutout.
The Ducks had both of their shots on goal in the first half - one each by redshirt freshmen Andrea Valadez and Cassidy Kolb. Valadez's attempt from 10 yards right center floated two yards over the cross bar at 27:50 in the first half and was one of a team-leading three shots in her first collegiate start and most extensive experience. Kolb's chance came at 32:30 on a wide-right chance from 8 yards out.
'Only one of the shots was on mind at the end of the game,' Valadez said, 'the one that went over the top.' But there's nothing I can do about it now. I am happy that I'm getting stronger and my technique is coming together progressively. I'm still getting into shape, but I'm getting more confidence. It's been 1 1/2 years since I've been healthy, and I'm getting my runs and moves better. After 2 ACL surgeries and a back injury, it was a frustrating rehab process, but I've learned a lot by watching and studying the openings and runs, so it's been a plus in some ways.'
Overall, 21 of Oregon's 25 players saw action in the game - all of whom had seen action already this season and eight of whom are newcomers seeing their first action in the Duck uniform.
'Andrea did a great job when she was out there,' Steffen said, 'and she and Nicole (Garbin) worked well together early in the game up front. Mele and Domenique did well in their stints and Nicole was strong, too. It was nice to see Erin Englehardt play and create some chances. In the second half, she eventually showed some signs of fatigue, but she's coming back and not quite match fit yet. '
Ghana (3-2-3) entered Wednesday's contest in the middle of their final preparation for the World Cup in with their most recent stop a 2-1 loss to defending NCAA champion Portland last weekend. The squad opens play in the group D bracket in Los Angeles on Sun., Sept. 21 against China, then follows with games against Russia (Thu., Sept. 25) and Australia (Sun., Sept. 28). A full schedule of the opening round is available at the http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2003/07/17/wwc_sked website.
'It was exciting to play a team that would be in the World Cup in a few weeks,' Valadez said. 'Their talent level was similar to a collegiate team although their skill level was a little better. They had a lot of good first touches and were able to move the ball around the field fairly well.'
The Ducks look ahead next to San Francisco, Sun., Sept. 7 at 1 pm, then head south the following weekend to play at Pacific, Fri., Sept. 12 and Sacramento State, Sun., Sept. 14.
BOXSCORE
Ghana 2, 0regon 0, Sept. 3 at Pape' Field. (Exhibition Match). Scoring: GNT-Abiba Sulemana48:40; GNT-Abiba Sulemana 49:51. Shots: GNT-18 (Adjoa Bayor 8), Oregon 6 (Andrea Valadez 3). Shots on Goal: GNT-11 (Adjoa Bayor 4), UO-2 (Andrea Valadez, Cassidy Kolb 1); Corner Kicks: GNT-2, UO 2. Fouls: GNT-10, UO-6. Conditions: 60 degrees, clear, no wind. A-1,239.
- www.GoDucks.com -
Soccer Box Score (Final)
Ghana vs Oregon (Sep 03, 2003 at Eugene, Ore.)
Ghana vs. Goals by period 1 2 Tot
Oregon -------------------------------
Date: Sep 03, 2003 Attendance: 1239 Ghana............... 0 2 - 2
Weather: 60 degrees, clear, no wind Oregon.............. 0 0 - 0
Ghana Oregon
Pos. ## Player Sh SOG G A Pos. ## Player Sh SOG G A
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
GK 1 Sulemana, Abiba..... - - - - GK 1 Lainez, Domenique... - - - -
D 3 Danso, Mavis........ - - - - M 2 Higa, Cristan....... - - - -
M 6 Okoe, Florence...... 1 1 - - M 3 DeMonte, Sabrina.... - - - -
M 7 Kanda, Berlinda..... 1 - - - D 6 Wone, Dara.......... - - - -
F 10 Bayor, Adjoa........ 8 4 2 - F 7 Mayer, Valerie...... - - - -
F 11 Avoe, Yaa........... - - - - M 8 Mintz, Christine.... - - - -
D 13 Ibrahim, Aminatu.... - - - - F 10 Valadez, Andrea..... 3 - - -
D 14 Baidu, Elizabeth.... 1 1 - - M 16 Richardson, Dana.... - - - -
D 16 Clottey, Genevieve.. - - - - F 17 Garbin, Nicole...... - - - -
F 21 O-Agyemang, Mimi.... 1 1 - - M 18 Werdell, Lindsey.... - - - -
F 22 Dzata, Enyonam...... - - - - D 24 Ashcraft, Carlie.... - - - -
---------- Substitutes ---------- ---------- Substitutes ----------
2 Savkey, Patience.... 1 1 - - 00 Marrer, Emily....... - - - -
4 Anakyewaa, Akua..... 1 1 - - 0 Etter, Mary......... - - - -
12 Mohammed, Fati...... - - - - 5 Winther, Kaily...... - - - -
15 Sackey, Alberta..... 3 2 - - 9 French, Mele........ 1 1 - -
17 A-Tetteh, Basilea... - - - - 12 Gamble, Caitlin..... - - - -
18 Djangmah, Mavis..... 1 - - - 13 Kolb, Cassidy....... 1 1 - -
15 Minvielle, Ellise... 1 - - -
Totals.............. 18 11 2 0 19 Abrahamson, Katie... - - - -
20 Baird, Kelly........ - - - -
22 Engelhardt, Erin.... - - - -
Totals.............. 6 2 0 0
Ghana Oregon
## Player MIN GA Saves ## Player MIN GA Saves
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
1 Sulemana, Abiba..... 90:00 0 2 1 Lainez, Domenique... 45:00 0 1
00 Marrer, Emily....... 20:00 0 3
0 Etter, Mary......... 25:00 2 5
Shots by period 1 2 Tot Saves by period 1 2 Tot
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Ghana............... 3 15 - 18 Ghana............... 1 1 - 2
Oregon.............. 5 1 - 6 Oregon.............. 1 8 - 9
Corner kicks 1 2 Tot Fouls 1 2 Tot
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Ghana............... 2 0 - 2 Ghana............... 5 5 - 10
Oregon.............. 2 0 - 2 Oregon.............. 6 0 - 6
SCORING SUMMARY:
GOAL Time Team ## Goal Scorer Assists
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 48:40 GHA 10 Bayor, Adjoa Unassisted
16 yards left to top right shelf on line
2. 49:51 GHA 10 Bayor, Adjoa Unassisted
23 yards center on hard and arching driv
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS:
YC-GHA #6 (87:23)
Officials:
Offsides: Ghana 5, Oregon 1.
Exhibition with Ghana National Team as they prepare for the
2003 Women's World Cup.
