Cougars Escape Oregon with 2-1 Win

Thursday, October 5

Eugene, Ore.

4:00 PM

University of Oregon

6-6-0, 0-4-0

Washington State

7-3-2, 2-2-0

Washington State

Oregon

10/05/17 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Oregon-Washington State Box Score 2017 Season Statistics

By: Drake Hills

EUGENE, Ore. - Oregon Soccer suffered a 2-1 loss to Washington State Thursday at Papé Field.

After a tough road trip to begin Pac-12 play, the Ducks were unable to turn the momentum around at home but will be able earn redemption Sunday against the Washington Huskies at 1 p.m. (Pac-12 Live Stream).

How It Happened: Washington State played an attacking formation that favored athleticism and counter-attacking soccer which they had at their disposal. Their scheme was designed to aggressively put pressure on Oregon's defense which came to fruition in the 20th minute.

Minutes after coming into the match as a sub, forward Brianna Alger closed down on the Oregon defense quickly and this caused a giveaway. Alger took possession of the ball as Oregon goalkeeper Halla Hinriksdottir came off of her goal line to stop the striker. With sophomore center back Alyssa Hinojosa in support, Alger set up and shot past Hinojosa trying to defend the goal herself, scoring her second goal in 2017.

The 31st minute saw Washington State's pressure prevail again as the Cougars gathered possession after an Oregon header that was intercepted.

Freshman forward Elyse Bennett made a run down the right side of the field as her team found her on a long ball. Bennett won her foot race against a few Oregon defenders and found sophomore forward Morgan Weaver making a run through the middle. After a cheeky cross from Bennett, Weaver taped the ball with the side of her foot, scratching the inside of the post for her sixth goal of the season.

Who Stood Out: The night's match wasn't all Cougars. Mia Costa sliced the Cougars' goal advantage to one in the second half. Nicole Seaman also made a difference for the Ducks in the second half, putting pressure on Washington State's midfield and regaining possession of the ball. Seaman dribbled her way down the left side of the field, drawing a foul just on top of the 18-yard box.

Junior forward Marissa Everett took the free kick and did not disappoint, striking the ball with her right foot. As Everett's dipping cross entered the box, Mia Costa was left unmarked and tapped it in for a goal in the 57th minute, her first goal of the season. Costa created problems all night against the Cougars playing the full 90 minutes.

It was Everett's ninth career assist, which moved her into ninth alone in the UO record book.

What This Means: Oregon Soccer is still looking for their first win in Pac-12 play but showed charisma and the ability to bounce back. The Ducks left the field disappointed and frustrated but will get a chance to use that as fuel against the Washington Huskies Sunday.

Head coach Kat Mertz said after the game that her team wasn't ready for the physicality that the Cougars brought.
"Our speed of play was way too slow," she said. "You have to give Washington State credit. They wanted it more."

Both teams combined for a total of 29 fouls; including yellow cards for Oregon midfielder Jayne Lydiatt, forward Marissa Everett and Washington State defender Sarah Davidson.

"Fouls happen and you can't let that dictate your play," Mertz said. "You can't worry about the things you can't control. We did a better job of that in the second half."

Even with Oregon's goal in the 57th minute, Ducks had trouble finding their feet all game. Mertz was not fazed by the way the game transpired and expects her team to push through.

"We have to find a way to fight through adversity on the field," Mertz said. "Right now, when we give up a goal, our heads go down and the frustration shows. We have to find a way to fight through it."

Quotable: "These past four games, they can't define our season," Mertz said. "We have to look forward and create our future, taking it one game at a time. We can let these four games dictate us and who we're going to be for the rest of the season or we can put it behind and let it make us stronger, put our heads up and believe in each other."

Up Next: the Ducks will have a quick turnaround as they will face the Washington Huskies Sunday at 1 p.m. (Pac-12 Live Stream).

Fans are asked to wear pink for Sunday's match and will receive a $2 admission. The team will wear special pink jerseys, which will be auctioned off in a silent auction that will support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.