University of Oregon
UCLA
Ducks Fall to No. 2 UCLA, 2-0, in Season Finale
11/09/08 | Women's Soccer
EUGENE, Ore. ? The Oregon women's soccer team lost 2-0 to No. 2 UCLA on Sunday afternoon at Pape' Field in the final game of the 2008 season.
The Ducks end the season with a record 9-9-2 (2-5-1 Pac-10) while UCLA clinches its second-consecutive Pac-10 title with a record of 18-0-2 (9-0-0), its first ever undefeated regular season.
"We did a heck of a job this season," said head coach Tara Erickson. "We showed will, heart and determination and I'm proud of our girls for that."
The first goal of the game came in the 56th minute when a UCLA corner kick deflected off Oregon keeper Cody Miles and bounced off the goal post and back into the net. Oregon was given an own goal on the play. UCLA tacked on an additional score in the 80th minute when a long crossing pass from Lauren Barnes rattled around in the Oregon box before being put away on a point-blank shot to the far post by Kristina Larsen.
Despite the own goal, Miles had one of her best games in an Oregon uniform, tallying eight saves and challenging numerous crossing passes before the UCLA offense could develop. In one stretch just prior to the end of the second half, Miles was one-on-one with UCLA forward and 2008 U.S. Olympic team member Lauren Chaney on a breakaway and attacked the play and deflected the shot away near the top of the box. She then regrouped and fell back toward the goal where she saved a shot from 2008 Canadian Olympic team member Kara Lang just seconds later.
"Cody is going to be awesome,” said senior Allison Newton. “She shows great promise and has matured so much in the net throughout the season.”
UCLA keeper Ashley Thompson recorded three saves in the game. The Bruins held an 18-7 advantage in shots and 5-3 edge in corner kicks. Oregon was whistled for offsides three times while UCLA was called on four occasions.
NOTE: The regular season finale was also Oregon's senior day where the accomplishments of six Oregon seniors were celebrated prior to kick-off. Jessie Chatfield, Nicole Dobrzynski, Darcie Gardner, Jessica Goodell, Carrie Holland and Allison Newton, along with their friends and family, were honored on the field for all they have given to Oregon soccer.
“Even with all the goals scored and assists made, statistics will never show how much they really meant to this program,” said Erickson. “From their play on the field, to their leadership and performance in the classroom, I can't even begin to explain how important all of our seniors have been.”
The Oregon seniors combined for 23 goals and 18 assists, sport an average GPA of 3.72 and have never had a losing season in their careers.
