Oregon Defense Saves the Day in Low Scoring Match
The Oregon women’s soccer team continued its dominating defense in their second exhibition match against the Western Washington Vikings. Ducks did not allow a goal and beat the Vikings 1-nil.
Oregon had heavy ball possession in the first half along with multiple shot attempts, putting a strain on Western Washington.
The pressure finally got to the Vikings when Oregon sophomore midfielder, Marissa Everett, scored a goal with two minutes left in the first half. Getting to the back of the net was not a struggle for Everett in the 2015 season. In her second year with the Ducks, she was able to score four goals in the regular season—making her Oregon’s leading scorer against the Pac-12.
“For her to have the weight off her shoulders and to be able to put one away is good for our team and for Marissa’s confidence over all,” said head coach Kat Mertz.
After the Ducks first and only goal, Western Washington ramped up the team’s play in the second half, increasing ball possession along with shot attempts. Oregon’s midfielders had to increase their defense as the Vikings got more and more goals on target.
Oregon junior goalkeeper Halla Hinriksdóttir had a tremendous save for the Ducks in the 59th minute, preserving Oregon’s slim lead and continuing the scoreless streak for teams facing the Ducks.
Mertz credited the Ducks’ defense, but said there is still more to improve on.
“Defending starts from the forward group,” Mertz said. “That’s one thing we’ll work on as far as our midfield shaping defensively.”
The team will look to improve their defensive strategies in the next game against Seattle Pacific. Mertz mentioned she wants the team to tighten up the midfield defense and relieve the outside backs from being under constant pressure.
Oregon will move on to play the team’s third of five exhibition matches against the Falcons next Saturday at 11am in Seattle.
