EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon played an undefeated Denver squad even in the first half, but allowed a pair goals after halftime and fell to the Pioneers, 2-0, Sunday at Papé Field.
The Ducks (0-6-1) created a number of scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, but couldn’t find the net. Liv Moritz scored in the 51st and 60th minutes as Denver remained unbeaten on the season at 4-0-4.
“It’s about getting that first goal in games,” said UO coach Graeme Abel. “We haven’t been in the lead, but we’ve had opportunities to do that so we have to stop getting caught chasing games.
“We get that first goal and gain some confidence, we start to control that game a little more,” he continued. “When you concede that first goal you end up getting caught chasing the game.”
How It Happened: The Ducks attempted six shots in the first half as both teams had chances to score.
Callan Harrington fired Oregon’s first shot on goal in the 35th minute and Cameron Bourne and Ajanae Respass did likewise later in the match.
UO goalkeeper Maddy Goldberg was tested from the opening kick as she made four saves in the game’s first 10 minutes. She finished the game with six saves.
Notable: Respass, Bourne and Kaitlyn Paculba all attempted two shots, while Harrington and Ryann Reynolds each had one. … Bourne leads Oregon with nine shots on the season. … Defender Anna Phillips made her 43rd consecutive start … The Ducks started six freshmen on Sunday. It was the fifth time in seven games this season that Oregon started at least five freshmen. … With 11 saves on the weekend, Goldberg moved within 12 saves of entering the UO career top 10; Goldberg now shows 51 career saves. Sunday was Oregon’s “Pups on the Pitch” game.
Quotable:
UO coach Graeme Abel on goalkeeper Maddy Goldberg’s performance
“Like I’ve said all season, she’s grown into the role and she’s been here for a long time so she’s got that level of training so she’s done extremely well for us.”
Up Next: The Ducks wrap up the nonconference season with a trip to Boise State on Thursday (4 p.m., ESPN+).
