Ducks Fall to USC – University of Oregon Athletics

EUGENE, Ore. – A short-handed Oregon squad wrapped up its toughest stretch of the season with a 4-0 loss to No. 20 USC Sunday on front of 639 fans at Papé Field.
 
The Ducks went 1-2 in their three matches to open the 2022 Pac-12 season, defeating No. 15 Washington and falling to No. 1 UCLA and the Trojans.
 
Oregon (3-4-4, 1-2-0) played without all-Pac-12 goalkeeper Leah Freeman, who had to sit out Sunday’s match after drawing a red card Thursday against UCLA.
 
How it Happened: An unfortunate foul in the box was assessed to Oregon in the 10^th minute and Bethune Croix converted the penalty kick for an early 1-0 USC lead.
 
The Trojans (7-1-1, 3-0-0) added goals two more goals in the first 45 minutes, including a second score by Croix, for a 3-0 halftime lead. USC scored its final goal in the 57^th minute.
 
Freshman Julia Richards, starting in goal in place of Freeman, had 12 saves for Oregon.
 
“To make a debut against that team, she made good saves and was not at fault for any of the goals,” said Oregon head coach Graeme Abel. “She did really well making her debut. So, we’re extremely proud of her.”
 
Oregon was shutout for the first time this season. The Ducks had scored in 12 consecutive games going back to 2021, which was the third-longest streak in program history.
 
What It Means: Only one of Oregon’s final eight opponents is currently ranked – No. 15 Washington State.
 
Quotable
Head Coach Graeme Abel
“(USC) outworked us. That…