Oregon Looks to Continue Momentum at Stanford, California

EUGENE, Ore. - Oregon started the 2017 season with six wins and two losses in their non-conference schedule. Since then, the Pac-12 gauntlet of the nation's best has caused trouble and Oregon Soccer has earned one win out of eight matches with the win coming against the Arizona State last Friday, 3-0.

The win against the Sun Devils gives the Ducks something that they can use to their advantage entering the last five matches of the season: momentum. Oregon will look to use that against their next two opponents, Stanford and California, Thursday and Sunday (Pac-12 Networks).

Like the beginning of the season, Oregon's set of captains have managed to keep the team focused on the task at hand, which is sticking to the season motto, #breakthrough. It symbolizes the fifth year of head coach Kat Mertz's tenure with the team and the resurgence of Oregon Soccer. This year's mission is to recognize the hard work from the past four years that set up an opportunity to compete for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Captain and goalkeeper Halla Hinriksdottir believes this is Oregon's year to make its debut in the NCAA Tournament and will fulfill the Ducks' chances to #breakthrough.

"The season is coming to an end very soon and I think it's good that we have four captains that can come together and gather the team at the most crucial part, which is now," Hinriksdottir said. "As far as a role is concerned, we just to need to help push the team in the last couple of games."

The Ducks will take that mentality to Palo Alto, Calif., to face the Stanford Cardinal Thursday at 6 p.m. (Pac-12 Networks). The Cardinal currently are undefeated in conference play and have lost just one game all season.

This will be the fourth consecutive match between the Ducks and the No. 1-ranked Cardinal on the Farm. Coach Mertz said she expects a great game once again.

"It's a great opportunity to go down there again," Mertz said. "We usually do really well down there. We play them very close. We have to contain a couple players and see if we can defend as a unit and look to counter attack when we have the opportunity to."

Stanford's attack has overwhelmed its opponents so far this season. The Cardinal have outscored their opponents 55 to five in 2017. Part of their attack is U.S. Women's National Team standout, Andi Sullivan, who is currently on the U.S. roster for friendly matches in October and will not be in uniform on Thursday.

The Ducks, who are allowing just 1.19 goals per game so far this season, will attempt to hold down a Stanford attack that is averaging nearly four goals (3.93) per match..

"As long as they're going east-west, we're fine with that," Mertz said. "They can build up through the back all they want but we have to defend when they go forward and want to penetrate us."

With five matches left in the season, the Ducks have a chance to write their own destiny and make the postseason but it won't be easy. The Pac-12 has four teams ranked in the top 25, second-most to the SEC.

"We've been playing a few of the best teams in the nation. I think playing in the Pac-12 is great practice for the NCAA Tournament," Hinriksdottir said. "We've played the reigning national champions and will play the No. 1 team in the country. That's a positive."

California is no slouch either. The Bears are currently ranked no. 16 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and No. 20 in the NCAA Women's RPI.

The Bears hold onto 11 wins, two losses and one draw. California, too, has momentum on their side as the team from Berkley, Calif., is riding a three-game winning streak.

Cal will host Oregon State Thursday before the Ducks come into town Sunday for a match that kicks off at 11 a.m. (Pac-12 Networks).

- goducks.com -