By Alex Roth
The Oregon Ducks fell to the 5th ranked USC Trojans 3-1 Thursday night at Papé field. The Ducks suffered just their second loss of the season, and first of the year at home. Despite registering 17 shots, the Ducks could not finish key opportunities as they only came away with 1 goal on the night.
The game started out fast paced, with USC getting some early shots in before eventually getting one by Leah Freedman in the tenth minute with a strike from Savannah DeMelo. Zoe Hasenauer would level it late in the first half with a tremendous header off a beautiful delivery from Chai Cortez.
The second half began with both teams getting tons of shots on target, and the Ducks having some very good chances that forced excellent saves by Anna Smith. Oregon conceded a penalty kick after a foul by Chardonnay Curran in the box, which was converted by Croix Bethune to put USC up 2-1. USC would add a third goal Penelope Hocking scored off a deflection in the box, and the score would remain 3-1 for the rest of the match.
The Ducks would register 8 shots on goal and take 6 corners in one of their better offensive showings of the season. Despite the loss, Leah Freedman would also register 5 saves in this one.
Oregon’s record stands at 8-2-4 overall and 3-2-1 in Pac-12 play. The Ducks will have a week off before heading to Boulder to take on the Colorado Buffaloes where they will continue their push for their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.