By David Miller

The Oregon Ducks came home from Arizona ready to run hot in their home conference opener. The Ducks (0-8-2) fought hard, including scoring for the first time at home this season, but it would not be enough to put away Colorado (9-2-0) and the Buffs won 3-1.

The Oregon mist fell over a chilly Papé Field, where the Ducks looked to gain their first win of the season in their Pac-12 conference home opener. The Ducks came into the game off a tough loss in their first conference matchup of the season against Arizona.

The Ducks came out aggressive, which left them vulnerable. A turnover in their own box led to a Colorado goal in just the 10th minute from Shyra James.

The Ducks kept their heads up and found themselves with a corner kick in the 28th minute. Kristen Conti was able to get her head on the ball and sent it into the back of the net.

Both defenses stiffened up following the early goals and managed to take a 1-1 tie into the locker room at the half.  After some antics from The Duck mascot and promotions team, the Ducks and Buffs emerged for the second half.

The Ducks came out with the same intensity they had in the first half and managed to take the 1-1 tie into the 60th minute. However, they would give up two goals in short succession, one in the 61st minute to Ally Clark and the second in the 62nd minute by Emerson Layne.

The game was chirpy and physical throughout, which led to a couple of late match yellow cards for Oregon’s Ajanae Respass and Colorado’s Ally Clark.

Though the Ducks continued to press forward and create shots on goal, they were unable to score on Colorado’s strong defense.

The Ducks return to Papé field against Utah on Sunday, where they look to build on the momentum from what Coach Graeme Abel called “big progress.”