Late Half Surge Lifts Ducks Past Boise State

RENO, Nev. – Oregon scored three goals in the first 25 minutes of the second half to defeat Boise State 3-0 Sunday at the University of Nevada’s Mackay Stadium.

Forward Tiffany Smith scored the eventual game-winner just 42 seconds into the second period. Freshman Jen Stoltenberg corralled a deflection of her own shot and found Smith, who scored her second goal of the season. It was the sixth career goal for the senior from Eugene, Ore., five of which have been game-winners.

“We played well in the first half, but we just weren’t finishing,” said Oregon head coach Tara Erickson. “But as soon as Tiffany scored right off the bat in the second half, we kind of got on a roll.”

The Ducks (2-0-0) struck again in the 62nd minute on Allison Newton’s first goal of the season. It was the seventh career goal for Newton, a midfielder from Eugene.

Duck freshmen played a role in both of Oregon’s first two goals. Stoltenberg, from Mission Viejo, Calif., got the assist on Smith’s goal, while Jill Jensen, from Puyallup, Wash., assisted on Newton’s score.

Oregon wrapped up the scoring on a Danielle Sweeney penalty kick in the 71st minute. It was the first career goal for the sophomore defender from Pleasanton, Calif.

Junior goalkeeper Jessie Chatfield made two saves in earning her 19th career win and adding to her own school record with her 14th shutout, which was preserved when Erin Wofford’s penalty kick attempt in the 90th minute went wide. Chatfield blanked Nevada 1-0 in the season opener on Friday.

“I’m proud we were able to get two shutouts,” said Erickson, who credited senior defender Dylann Tharp and junior midfielder Jen Cameron, among others, for their play in Oregon’s half of the field. “It was a good start for the team on the road in challenging conditions and hopefully we’ll come home with some confidence.”

The Ducks outshot Boise State (1-1-0) 13-6. Teresa Bowns led Oregon with four shots, tying a career high. Newton, Smith and Stoltenberg each attempted two shots. Shannon Saxton led the Broncos with three shots.

It was only the second meeting between the two schools and the first since 2003.

Next up for Oregon is the home opener Friday against UC Riverside at Pape’ Field.

“I think we could be a pretty good team,” said Erickson. “Maybe better than last year in the respect that we have more attacking players. We need to do a better job of being dangerous and finishing, but we’re pretty strong defensively.”

GAME NOTES: Newton moved up the UO career goals and points list Sunday...Her seven career goals puts her alone in 10th place, and her 20 points ties her for eighth with Julie McClellan (1999-01) and Caitlin Gamble (2002-05)...Smith’s six career goals lifts her into a tie for 11th with three others...her five career game-winners is tied with Sierra Marsh (1996-99) for fourth...Chatfield is now just four wins behind Amanda Fox (1996-99) for the UO career lead in victories (23)...SR D Dylann Tharp started her 59th career game, which moved her ahead of Carrie McLanahan for ninth on the UO career list...several rookies saw their first action in an Oregon uniform on Sunday, including sophomore Jenny Baker and freshmen Sara Plutko, Marissa “Bo” Rael and Bree Rowe.

“The freshmen responded really well when we put them in,” said Erickson. “They definitely make us a deeper team.”