Montana Shocks Oregon, 1-0

Sophomore Dani Oster and freshman Jill Jensen led the Ducks with four shots a piece.

Oregon falls to 3-1-0 despite 17 shots in Sunday's contest against the Grizzlies. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The offense struggled and Montana made a second half penalty kick stand up as the Grizzlies defeated Oregon 1-0 Sunday before 428 at Pape’ Field.

“We really need to work on coming out and playing better in the first half,” said Oregon Coach Tara Erickson. “A team like Montana comes out and is ready to battle and we just need to emotionally come out stronger in all of the games.

“Stats say a lot, but heart says a lot too,” said Erickson. “Montana did a great job today. We looked a little fatigued, but I was still happy with the way we played. I think we just need to work better together.”

The teams were scoreless until the 75th minute when Montana’s Sara Campbell was tackled inside the Oregon penalty box.

Mahlleace Tomsin found the back of the net on the ensuing penalty kick to give the Grizzlies (1-3-0) their first win of the season.

“There’s not a whole lot I can do other than just do my best and react quickly. You kind of just hope for a miss,” said Oregon goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield, who made four saves on Sunday.

The Ducks (3-1-0) suffered their first loss of the year despite outshooting Montana 17-8. Oregon also had an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.

Sophomore Dani Oster and freshman Jill Jensen led the Ducks with four shots a piece.

After scoring nine goals in its first three games, Montana goalkeeper Grace Harris made six saves to hold Oregon scoreless.

“I think the past few games we’ve been just caught on our heels,” said Oregon sophomore Danielle Sweeney. “But I think after this loss, we’re going to get our act together and come out ready to play next time.”

The Grizzlies continue to have the Ducks’ number as Montana has now won all four meetings between the two schools.

The loss also snapped Oregon’s four-game home winning streak and seven-game home unbeaten streak.

The Ducks last loss at Pape’ Field was a 2-1 decision to Nevada Sept. 22, 2006. Both marks are school records.

“We have to come out to play every game,” said Erickson. “Every game counts, we learned that from last year. Today was a sad loss for us but we need to just take it and move on to the next game.”

The Ducks will attempt to get back on track when they visit Utah State on Friday.

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