EUGENE, Ore. - When a goalkeeper records over 6,705 career minutes in goal – good for second in the NCAA – fans might expect to see some high-level protection around the net. For Oregon women’s soccer (2-10-4, 0-6-3 Big Ten), sixth-year senior Caeley Goldstein has stepped into that role.
Thursday night at Pape Field saw the Ducks fall to the No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers (12-3-1, 6-2-1 Big Ten) by a final score of 1-0. Despite the outcome, Goldstein put on a standout performance in front of the home crowd with five saves on 14 shots and six shots on goal from the Badgers.
“We were super organized defensively,” Goldstein said. “We shut down a lot of opportunities, especially for a ranked team, so I’m proud of our defensive shape and organization.”
Despite the offensive struggles Oregon has faced this season – third to last place in the Big Ten in total goals – Goldstein has managed to keep the Ducks competitive with her defense. Against the Badgers, she racked up five saves for the fifth time this season.
“[Goldstein] is very consistent,” head coach Tracy Joyner said. “That’s something that I’ve known for four years now… all in all, to give up one goal against one of the best teams in the country is a good result for sure.”
Goldstein started in goal for three straight seasons at UC Davis under head coach Tracy Joyner. When Joyner took the job at Oregon in December of 2024, Goldstein, along with five of her teammates, followed their coach to Eugene for the opportunity to play in a Power Four conference.
“It’s huge, I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Goldstein remarked on her transition to the Big Ten. “This is my fourth full season as a starter, so I am just super grateful to be experienced in that realm because a lot of goalkeepers don't get that much.”
Now in her sixth season of collegiate soccer and her fourth full season as a starting goalkeeper, Goldstein sits in the top six of all NCAA women's goalies with 312 career saves. She, along with nine other seniors on the roster, will be honored on Sunday when the team faces off with Minnesota at Pape Field.
“I already had a senior day because I thought last year was my last year,” Goldstein said. “This is more of a year of gratitude for me just because I’ve gotten this year back [in eligibility], so it’s less emotional because I already had [senior honors], but I’m more grateful that I get this opportunity."
Kickoff for Oregon vs Minnesota is set for 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Pape Field.