EUGENE, Ore. – Chardonnay Curran scored in the 84th minute to lead the Oregon Ducks to a 1-0 victory over the Portland Pilots Friday night at Pape Field. The Ducks (4-0-3) remain unbeaten with the win, while the Pilots drop to 3-4-0 overall.
In a game that featured large swings in momentum, it was Oregon that was able to get the late winner off a set piece. The Ducks were granted a free kick just inside the corner flag and the service bounced around the penalty area before settling at the feet of Curran at the edge of the box. She drilled a shot into the upper right of the goal for the game-winner.
Oregon had a strong first half, but Portland was dominant for a majority of the second half until surrendering the late winner. The Pilots came out aggressive out of halftime and nearly went ahead in the 49th minute. Taryn Ries made a deep run down the left side and sent a perfect cross to the center of the box. Ellie Walker's firm header was going towards the near post, but Oregon goalkeeper Leah Freeman made the save.
The Pilots outshot the Ducks 6-3 in the second half and had a 4-1 edge in corners for the period, but couldn't find the back of the net.
The Ducks created some early chances in the first half, but Pilot freshman goalkeeper Bre Norris was up to the task and stopped a pair of shot attempts. Freshman striker Cally Togiai had a quality strike from the top of the box just miss outside the left post in the 38th minute.
Oregon finished with an 11-8 edge in shot attempts, while both teams put three on goal. The Pilots finished with a 4-3 margin in corner kicks.
Portland will return to Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex on Sunday to host the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Kick-off is set for 4 p.m. and tickets are still available. For live links, visit PortlandPilots.com.