Soccer Season Preview: Part 1 - Defense - University of Oregon Athletics

This is the first in a three-part series previewing the 2017 soccer season. The Ducks open the year Friday night by hosting North Carolina State at 5 p.m. at Pape' Field.

With five backs returning from the regular rotation, plus both goalkeepers, Oregon could have one of the strongest back lines in the Pac-12. The Ducks allowed 1.27 goals per game in 2016, which trended down from the best defense of the Kat Mertz era of just over one goal allowed (1.04) in 2015. However, with a senior-led back line that includes Caitlyn Wong, Mia Costa and Michelle Rockey, as well as junior Brianne Parsons and sophomore Alyssa Hinojosa, the players' familiarity with each other could produce a tight net this fall. Costa also proved to be a weapon on set pieces with a pair of goals on just five shots last year.

Behind the back line are the two keepers who split time in net in 2016, junior Halla Hinriksdottir and sophomore Katelyn Carter. Hinriksdottir set the UO record for most consecutive scoreless minutes in net (392), while Carter posted a 5-3-1 record as a freshman.

The back line could also see an impact from some impressive newcomers, including junior Jazmin Jackmon, a transfer from Santa Clara, and Canadian U20 player Hannah Taylor (Edmonds, Wash.). Northwest standouts Mia Palmer (Portland, Ore.) and Brooke Chandler (Samammish, Wash.) could also crack the rotation as freshmen, while Sarah Preston (Menlo Park, Calif.), another freshman, gives the team an additional option at goalkeeper.

Coach Kat Mertz

What do you like about the defense?
"I like the experience returning on that back line and at goalkeeper. They have played well with each other for a while now, and then we added Jazmin to the mix in the spring. Plus we have some freshmen who have some experience at the junior national program level. It's a nice, solid group."

What were the things the defense did well in 2016?
"Last year, the defense did a good job on the attacking side of the ball. We were able to get numbers forward and press farther down the field."

What do you want to see more of in 2017?
"We need to be assertive on the back line. Our movements need to be in sync. We need to attack from the back line and find some playmakers back there. Being creative from the back line is a huge factor moving forward."

What do you need from the defense in order for Oregon to be successful this fall?
"We need a strong leadership presence. We need to have the ability to transition quickly on both sides of the ball. And win 50-50 balls out of the air."

What should fans watch for from the defense in 2017?
"I'm excited to see how we bring the new players along and what they can add to a group that has the potential to have two of the best outside backs in the Pac-12 at attacking."