Pool Play: Games 1 & 2

The Oregon Women’s Club Soccer Team ended day one of the National Tournament with two wins. The Ducks soundly defeated SUNY Cortland this afternoon in a solid 4-0 victory. Nicole Marsaglia had a lovely driven ball that found the back of the net to put the Ducks ahead 1-0 at half. The next goal came off the head of Maddie Bruce from a corner sent in by Natalie Swift, who not shortly after, netted herself a goal to put the Ducks up by 3. With only a few minutes left in the game, Nicole made it 4-0 with a low, slotted ball that the Cortland keeper was unable to stop.

The game against Vanderbilt was decidedly more challenging for the Ducks. Josie Ruzette put forth a physical effort in the center of the pitch for Oregon and the defensive line, along with keeper Kristine, kept the ball out of the net for the full 80 minutes. Roughly 20 minutes into the first half the Ducks capitalized on a scoring opportunity when Kris Lekas executed a beautiful cross that glided over the hands of the Vanderbilt keeper onto the awaiting head of Nic Marsaglia. The game was tight and fierce for the remaining clock until, with only 5 minutes left in the game, Sara Israel received a lay-off pass from striker Nicole Marsaglia and decided to rip a shot from 30 yards; irrevocably destroying the hopes of the Vanderbilt players from making a comeback and their chance of advancing out of group play. The game ended 2-0 in the Ducks favor.

The entire Duck roster put forth a tough effort in these last two games and look to continue their success against James Madison tomorrow afternoon and in the Quarterfinals tomorrow night. Check back tomorrow for more updates.

Best,

WCS

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