University of Washington
Oregon
Washington Earns Big Conference Win Over Oregon
October 25, 2012 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 25, 2012
SEATTLE -- Washington earned a big conference win on Thursday night, 2-0 over Oregon. The win moved the Huskies to 10-6-2 (3-5-1 Pac-12) on a night when alum Hope Solo returned to Seattle to watch her former team.
The Dawgs needed a win after three tough losses to the top of the conference. However, because of its difficult schedule, the Huskies are still in good shape to earn an NCAA tournament berth with a strong finish.
"We did a lot of things right in those three losses," said head coach Lesle Gallimore. "We just needed to stick to the game plan and add more up front. We can't just send wishful balls, but need to connect more passes and today that is how we got both of our goals."
Both Washington goals were the results of controlling possession and finding the open player.
The Dawgs got on the board in the 20th minute when Allie Beahan found the back of the net. Washington used some nice passing on the left wing until Chelsea Archer was able to take the ball to the endline with her dribble. Archer avoided the charging Oregon keeper and played the ball across the goal to a wide open Beahan. Beahan finished for her third goal of the season and Washington had the lead.
The Huskies settled in nicely with the lead, controlling possession and looking like the more dangerous team. Oregon had the occasional counter-attack, but the Husky defense held strong.
"We have talked about getting the lead so we don't have to chase the game," said Gallimore. "We did that so well at the beginning of the season, but have gotten away from it lately. It was nice to see that today."
In the 37th minute, Washington added to its lead on a blast from Lindsay Elston. Elston found space after her teammates held possession and created an opening to run into. Once she received the ball, Elston cut inside towards goal and found enough room to shoot from 20+ yards. Her shot was on a line and sailed past the Oregon goalkeeper for her ninth goal of the season.
Washington held strong and took the 2-0 lead to the half. Oregon managed four shots, looking most dangerous on the quick counters where they could use the speed they have up front.
In the second half, Washington controlled even more of the possession and managed nine shots. Although it did not get a goal, the game never seemed in doubt. Kari Davidson made three saves, but none really tested her. Her defense did not allow the Oregon shooters a close enough opportunity to shoot from distance and nothing ever materialized in front of the goal. Part of that was Davidson, who was there to punch away any crosses that came inside the 6-yard box.
Washington outshot Oregon 14-9 for the game, but the Huskies chances were the more dangerous. It was a deserving win for the Dawgs, who desperately need exactly that.
Washington also got the win in front of its most famous former player. Solo was on hand to give the team a pregame pep talk and sign books for fans before the game.
Washington will now have a couple days to prepare for Oregon State (11-4-2, 3-3-2 Pac-12) in another crucial conference match. The game will be Sunday at 1:00 p.m. back at the Husky Soccer Stadium. It will be the final regular-season home game and seniors Davidson, Kelsea Brajkovich and Faustine Dufka will be honored before the game.
