University of Oregon
North Carolina State
Ducks To Open Season Friday At Home
08/16/17 | Women's Soccer
Oregon will host North Carolina State on Friday (5 p.m., Pac-12 Networks) to kick off what the Ducks intend to be a breakthrough season.
The Oregon soccer team's quest for a breakthrough season begins against North Carolina State on Friday at Papé Field (5 p.m. PT, Pac-12 Networks).
Entering their fifth season under head coach Kat Mertz, the Ducks have embraced the theme "#BreakThrough" to encapsulate their quest for a Pac-12 title chance. With a nice blend of experience and youth on the roster, Mertz said depth and soccer IQ can be difference makers for Oregon this fall.
The Ducks open the regular season against the Wolfpack after playing Portland to a draw in an exhibition Saturday. Mertz used 24 players in that match, illustrating the depth Oregon can deploy.
"I think a deep bench really helps you go far," Mertz said. "If you look at some of the programs that have done really well, specifically in the postseason, they do that with a deep bench."
Preseason trips to China and Astoria saw the Ducks experience a culture change, Mertz said, on and off the field.
Off the field, the players came together in what Mertz described as a "new look of 'close chemistry,'" having more of a bond and a better culture all around.
"The upper classmen created a safe environment for freshmen and newcomers to be themselves," Mertz said. "It's a team that's welcoming and not judgmental and being there for each other will translate positively to the field."
Kyra Fawcett returns after leading Ducks with five goals a year ago, followed by Abby Morrow with four. Fawcett also is encouraged by the team's depth and how it might impact the upcoming season.
"It's something that is needed, especially on the front line," Fawcett said. "We are not worried about support because the next girl can come in and produce the same."
The junior forward credits the team's preseason trip to Astoria on the Oregon coast for helping the returners and the newcomers mesh so early.
"This year we are doing a great job of making each other better. When we have so much talent, we can take it to the next level in practice. It's really positive and I think this year is when we're going to break through"
Morrow, a senior midfielder, said the team's high soccer I.Q. will lead the Ducks to more wins.
"To have the younger players knowing what do and taking what we discuss in meetings and film sessions will help us on the field," Morrow said. "The newcomers are fast and ready to go. The depth will help us this season, especially in Pac-12 games."
Mertz mentioned Mia Palmer, Emma Eddy, and Eden Hardy among the many newcomers who have made an instant impact on the team so far.
The newcomers, she said, bring an attacking mentality that will help as the Ducks look to increase their offensive output this season.
Following Friday's opener, the Ducks host another Power 5 team Sunday, Kansas State (1 p.m. PT, Oregon Live Stream).
