Ducks Sweep Weekend with Win over Loyola Marymount
The Ducks are on a three-game winning streak and swept their first set of weekend matches since the 2011 season.
(EUGENE, Ore. ) — Led by a late goal from Kristen Parr, the Oregon soccer team (3-1-0) defeated Loyola Marymount (2-1-1), 1-0, Sunday afternoon at Papé Field.
How It Happened:
Leading the team in shots coming into the game but without a goal so far this season, junior forward Kristen Parr finally got on the score sheet with a goal in the 84th minute. Senior midfielder Lilly Archer took a corner kick from the Ducks, and the ball found itself at Parr’s feet. Parr nailed a shot above the goalkeeper’s head for the 1-0 lead.
Why It Matters:
The Ducks are on a three-game winning streak and swept their first set of weekend matches since the 2011 season.
Who Stood Out:
Senior forward Shanelle Simien was a key player across the field. With two shots in the match, Simien served as the Ducks’ playmaker and tirelessly pushed the Lions’ defense. Senior goalkeeper Abby Steele made some important saves, including a diving play in the second half to keep the game scoreless. Parr nearly scored in the first half, but her shot hit the crossbar.
Record Watch:
Senior goalkeeper Abby Steele made five saves against LMU and moved into third all-time with 257 career saves. With the shutout, Steele is tied for first in shutouts (16) in the Oregon record book.
Key Quotes:
“We just have a new mentality to be able to pull through. I thought at one point in the second half, if this was last year’s team, we may have given up, and we didn’t. The senior leadership on this team – you can see it all over at pretty much every position. We just made up our mind: we’re not going to give up a goal.” – Head coach Kat Mertz
“Coach told us before the match, ‘It’s a one-minute game battle times 90, so just go out and play as hard as you can. We scored in the last 10 minutes, which is different for us. It’s like we worked through the whole game, and it’s awesome to see everyone fight the whole time.” – Senior goalkeeper Abby Steele.
Source: goducks.com
