SEATTLE -- Sophomore Kristen Parr scored her first goal of the season Thursday night, but the University of Oregon women’s soccer team was unable to claw its way back from an early two goal deficit against Washington. The Huskies (7-6-2, 3-1-1) scored in the 2nd and 12th minute to defeat Oregon (3-8-3, 1-4-1) by a 2-1 count at Husky Soccer Stadium.

After being rattled early, Oregon settled down and played even with the Huskies for most of the first half and the entire second half. Parr – who scored a team-high seven goals as a freshman last year - led Oregon’s comeback charge with a 30th minute goal.

Oregon was unable to come up with the equalizing goal despite finishing strong. The Ducks haven’t lost by more than a single goal in any of their defeats. Oregon held a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal.

“It’s disappointing how we started,” said head coach Kat Mertz. “We had a few bright spots and scored a great goal in the first half. We created some good opportunities, but we dug ourselves in a hole against a tough team and paid the price for it.”

The Huskies got off to a blistering start, scoring 62 seconds into the game as Kate Bennett curled a shot to the corner of the net. Isabel Farrell stunned Oregon with a second Washington goal in the 12th minute, sending a left-footed shot to the right corner of the goal.

The Ducks, trailing by two goals for just the second time of the season, found their footing and started to build on possession. Junior Bri Pugh registered the Ducks’ first shot on goal with a chance in the 13th minute.

Oregon finally got one back in the 30th minute, scoring one of the most impressive team goals of the season. Parr kick started the attack, playing a through ball to Pugh before making a big run into the box. Pugh took the ball to the right corner and cut the ball between two defenders and into the box. Junior Ryann Davie received the pass and flicked it onto Parr, who finished with her right foot on her first touch.

Oregon had consecutive shots in the 33rd and 35th minute while Pugh took the team’s final shot on goal of the first half, forcing a save from Megan Kufeld in the 42nd minute. Washington held a 9-7 advantage in first half shots and entered the break with a 2-1 lead.

While the first half was a back-and-forth affair, the second half was played primarily in the midfield with both teams staying even in possession.

Lilly Archer provided Oregon’s best chance to equalize, blasting a shot from 25-yards out in the 47th minute. The bending shot went on goal at the far post, but Kufeld scrambled to make a diving save. Sophomore Maryn Beutler also tested Kufeld with a shot on goal in the 77th minute.

Oregon’s final chance came in the 86th minute as Parr looked for the brace. The Bend, Ore., native’s shot was blocked and Washington was able to run out the clock.

Pugh led the offense with three shots, two shots on goal and an assist. Parr finished with two shots to compliment her goal. Goalkeeper Abby Steele made just one save, but was active to cut down a number of Husky set pieces.

The Ducks return to action next week with their final home stand of the season, hosting a pair of top 10 teams at Papé Field. Oregon will meet No. 10 Stanford on Friday at 4 p.m. (PT) before hosting No. 9 California on Monday at 7 p.m.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Tracking Women's DI Automatic Bids

Northeast High School Roundup - Nov.

U16 BNT Roster for Trip to Mexico