Stephen F. Austin
Oregon
SFA falls to Oregon, 3-0
8/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
EUGENE, Ore. – The Ladyjacks took on the Oregon Ducks on Sunday night in Eugene, Ore. The play was dominated by the Oregon Ducks offense as they scored three undisputed goals at Papé Field.
Freshman Katie Jennings, junior Hanna Barker, and junior Michaela Mencacci had one shot a piece against the Duck’s defense. Goalkeeper sophomore Allyson Smith, playing the first 45, had three saves in the net, and redshirt junior Lillie Ehlert was credited with one save in the second half. The Ladyjacks fought hard to keep possession but were outshot 12 shots to 3 on the night. As well as a 7 to 3 shot on goal deficit.
“This one stings as I thought we had a good game plan coming into the match,” said Head Coach Wally Crittenden. “Oregon did some great things and tested us in ways we haven’t seen this season tactically. Ultimately, the competition to open the season on the road this weekend was very demanding, and it will make us better moving forward.”
Oregon came out strong in the first few minutes of the game, netting a goal in the first five minutes of the half. The Ducks registered nine shots and five shots on goal, but Ladyjack goal keeper Smith showed a stiff backbone receiving three saves for her first half in the net.
The Ducks struck again in the 15th minute pushing the score to 2-0. The SFA defense stayed strong holding off two corner kicks and battling hard to keep the Ducks from scoring again in the rest of the first half.
SFA’s Jennings had the lone shot early in the first half of the match which was saved by the Ducks. Followed by Barker taking her shot at the Oregon net in the 62nd minute, but it is also saved.
The Ladyjacks had another scoring opportunity at the 75th minute by Mencacci but unfortunately the Ducks goalie grabbed it at the last second. Oregon then took control of the offensive attack scoring one more goal before the end of the match.
“The adjustments we will make with these match experiences will be swift and will help position us for our best soccer moving forward,” Crittenden said. “We aren’t where we want to be yet, but we are not far off.”
SFA will be back in action at home on September 4th against the UTSA Roadrunners. The match is set to start at 6:00 p.m. CT and will be live streamed on ESPN3.
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