By Mario Ponce

The Oregon Ducks soccer team (0-15-3) will drive 49 miles on Friday to Paul Lorenz Field in Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers (3-8-7) in the final game of the season. The Ducks have struggled through a transitional season, with more than half of the squad composed of freshmen. The team looks to win the rivalry game and avoid a winless season, while the Beavers look for their first conference win of their season.

Oregon: The Ducks had their last two home games against the Washington schools and lost a game and tied the other. On Thursday the 26th of October, they fell in a close 1-0 to an aggressive Washington Huskies team. Oregon defended well and had opportunities to score but couldn’t capitalize and an unlucky rebound goal with 3 minutes of game time remaining gave the visitors the win. On Sunday the 29th they hosted the Washington State Cougars and tied 2-2 in a back-and-forth affair. The team was down 2-1 at halftime but a goal in the complimentary period gave the squad their third tie of the year.

Oregon State: The Beavers also played the Washington schools at home but in the opposite order, tying both games. On Thursday the 26th they tied in an energetic 2-2 to the Cougars, courtesy of a late WSU goal by Naomi Clark. On Sunday the Huskies came to visit and tied 0-0 in an exciting contest. Both teams had many shots on goal, with the hosts having 17 and visitors 20. A combined 15 saves by the keepers kept the score sheet blank in a field day for the gloved players.

Prediction: Though the records suggest the Beavers have a clear advantage, I believe the Ducks can pull of the upset and get their first win of the season. This team is hungry and has momentum, and if they capitalize on their opportunities against Oregon State, they can get a spirit lifting W. Final score: Oregon wins 1-0.