Oregon Falls at Utah 2-0

It was the first time this season that the Ducks were outshot.

Nicole Dobrzynski and Sara Plutko stepped up in the absence of Dylann Tharp. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

SALT LAKE CITY - It was the offense that struggled in Oregon’s first match without injured defensive leader Dylann Tharp in more than three years as the Ducks dropped a 2-0 decision to Utah Sunday at Ute Field.

Without Tharp, who suffered a fractured left ankle Friday night at Utah State, the Utes outshot Oregon 14-11 and the defense surrendered more than one goal for first time since a 3-0 loss at Portland Oct. 1, 2006.

"It was an adjustment for us without Dylann, but that’s not an excuse," said Oregon coach Tara Erickson. "I thought Sara Plutko and Nicole Dobrzynski played pretty well for us in the back.

"I think we did a poor job in our attack today and it showed in how we allowed Utah to possess the ball," said Erickson. "It was not our best day, but hopefully that will motivate us to practice a little better and have our attacking players step up."

It was the first time this season that the Ducks were outshot.

Oregon was also frustrated with six offsides calls going against them.

Kiley Jones got Utah on the board in the 22nd minute, scoring off a deflection that was the third shot in a series of volleys fired at Oregon goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield.

Erin Dalley made it 2-0 Utah in the 59th minute.

"Utah is a good team and they have a great attack," said Erickson. "We had a couple of defensive lapses and they took advantage.

"This was our first big test and we just didn’t play well, "said Erickson. "We were a little off today."

Before Sunday, Tharp, a senior from San Pedro, Calif., had played in all 63 games during her Oregon career and started 62 straight.

Tharp has been ruled out for next weekend’s trip to Purdue and Illinois State. Her status beyond that will be evaluated this week.

The Ducks fell to 4-2-0 on the season and 0-4-1 all-time versus Utah. The Utes improved to 3-2-1 in 2007.

Teresa Bowns led Oregon with three shots, while Allison Newton, Dani Oster and Jessica Goodell each attempted two.

Chatfield made four saves, while Utah’s Lynzee Lee made eight to earn her first shutout of the season.

The Ducks face No. 22 Purdue on Friday.

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