Oregon Beats Cal State Fullerton in 2OT
Oregon struck first in the 15th minute when Cal State Fullerton got called for a hand ball.
(EUGENE, Ore. ) — Brooke Strawn headed home the game-winning goal in the 109th minute to give the Ducks the 2-1 victory over Cal State Fullerton Sunday afternoon at Papé Field.
How It Happened:
Oregon struck first in the 15th minute when Cal State Fullerton got called for a hand ball and Lilly Archer hammered the penalty kick past the Titans’ goalkeeper, Jennifer Stuart. The Titans quickly responded in the 20th minute when Ali White slipped a pass past the Ducks’ defense to Rebecca Wilson, who beat Abby Steele one-on-one to tie the match at 1-1.
The score remained tied throughout the second half and first overtime until Strawn provided the match-winning goal for Oregon. Reilley Moore sent a free kick to the top of the box, and Lilly Archer headed the ball high into the air, but in the direction of the goal. Strawn tracked the ball in the air and put her head on it before she collided into a diving Stuart. The ball rolled into the goal, and the Ducks rushed the field.
What It Means:
Most notably, Sunday’s victory marks the first five-game unbeaten streak for the Ducks since 2011. Oregon seized control of the match in large part because of a momentous second half that saw the Ducks produce several offensive chances while still maintaining possession. Oregon’s 9-1 shot advantage in the second half was a vast improvement over a first half where Cal State Fullerton manufactured a few quality chances and led in shots, 7-5. For the second match in a row, Oregon made adjustments and responded to their opponent’s goal.
Well-Conditioned Bunch:
Despite not scoring a goal in the second half, the Ducks’ speed and energy seemed to improve as the game wore on. Reilly Smith made countless quality runs on the left side, Bri Pugh maintained her aggressive play throughout the game (7 shots, led all players) and Strawn’s consistent effort eventually paid off in the waning minutes of the game.
Sky Is The Limit:
While the Ducks have been resilient in scoring timely goals at crucial times during the past couple games, there were several other opportunities during the course of the game this afternoon that could have produced one, maybe even two additional goals. Archer blasted a shot right into the keeper’s arms in the 77th minute, and the rest of the Ducks had a few headers throughout the game that didn’t connect solidly, and ended up sailing over or just wide of the goal. When those close chances start finding the back of the net, Oregon should have a potent offensive attack.
Key Stat:
Oregon’s 19-10 advantage in shots.
Key Quote:
Head coach Kat Mertz on outshooting the Titans 14-3 after the first half: “I think it was adjustments, I think it was once again talking to the girls about how it is a 90 minute game. I thought we got a little bit complacent after we got that goal and we fell asleep. For us, it’s a part of growing and learning how to win. If we keep and maintain possession of the ball, you can’t turn off defensively.”
Junior Brooke Strawn on recalling her game-winning goal: “I saw the ball coming into Lilly after Reilly Moore kicked it. I saw Lilly going to flick it and I saw it was going to be in between the goalkeeper and the defensive line so I made my run and I got my head on it, and then I collided (with the goalkeeper).”
What’s Next:
The Ducks will travel to Portland State on Friday, September 12, for a match at 1:00 p.m.
Source: goducks.com
