Oregon Women's Soccer Falls to Illinois 2-0

Despite holding Illinois to just nine total shots, Oregon had a potential goal in the 86th minute when Carly Cormack converted a free kick from Taylor Dever, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.

The Ducks return to Eugene seeking to rebound with a four-game homestand that starts Friday against No. 12 UCLA at 6 p.m.

In the first half, Oregon (6-3-2, 1-3-1) limited Illinois (4-2-5, 1-2-2) to only one shot while managing four shots on target themselves. Logan Russo was instrumental, recording two shots on goal, and both Cormack and Shiloh Baird contributed one each.

After halftime, Illinois quickly netted their goals in the 52nd and 55th minutes, marking the first time this season Oregon allowed two goals in a single game. Of Oregon's seven shots, six were on target, with Russo and Lauren Hunter each posting two shots.

Oregon’s defensive record remains strong, as the five goals conceded so far this season aligns with their best defensive start in 45 years, following the 1981 season where only four goals were allowed in the first 11 games. The match was also Oregon's first appearance at Demirjian Park, where Illinois head coach Katie Hultin previously served as an assistant coach at Oregon from 2016 to 2017.

After suffering a 1-0 loss against Northwestern three days earlier, the Ducks aim to improve their performance in their upcoming match against UCLA on Friday.