University of Oregon
California
Soccer Ends Season with 3-0 Loss to No. 19 Cal
11/11/07 | Women's Soccer
EUGENE, Ore. ? Caitlin Hannegan scored twice to lead No. 19 California to a 3-0 win over Oregon Sunday before a crowd of 505 at Pape' Field.
The loss ended Oregon's season at 8-8-4 overall, 1-4-4 in the Pac-10. Cal closed the regular season with six straight wins to finish at 14-5, 6-3.
Despite the loss, the Ducks recorded the program's third straight .500 or better season under coach Tara Erickson.
"This game was just an analogy of our season," said Erickson. "There were just ups and downs and no consistency. That's just been a big problem we've had all season. There have been good things and bad things along the way but overall I'm disappointed."
Cal got on the board late in the first half, when Hannegan took a pass from Katie Oakes and scored from near the 18-yard-line at the 41:36 mark.
Hannegan made it 2-0 in the 55th minute with a long strike from 23 yards out that found the right side of the Oregon net.
Valerie Barnes capped the scoring with a breakaway goal in the 85th minute.
Danielle Sweeney led Oregon with two shots.
The Ducks wrapped up the season with 30 goals, two shy of the modern record of 32 set in 2001.
Sunday was the final game for Duck seniors Tiffany Smith and Dylann Tharp.
"This is definitely a rough ending, said Tharp. "I'm really proud of the girls. I thought we battled to the end but it's just tough.
"I think a problem this season has been just the mentality for playing 90 minutes," she said. "I think if these girls can build their mental toughness they have a good chance to do well next season."
Smith, from Eugene, Ore., finished her career with nine goals (tied for seventh all-time). Of her nine goals, seven were game-winners, which ranks tied for second on Oregon's career list. Her 23 points (9G, 5A) is ninth all-time at Oregon.
Tharp finished her career as one of just eight players in school history with at least 70 career starts. Sunday was her 74th career game played (tied for sixth all-time) and 73rd start (tied for fifth all-time).
"It's just knowing that this was the last time to step on the field with a jersey on that makes this pretty emotional, but I did what I could for my team and I have no regrets," said Tharp.
GAME NOTES:
The bench saw extensive action for the second straight game. JR M Adriana Montes played for the second time in 2007, while five freshmen also played.
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