Written by Owen Johnson
EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon Ducks (4-8-6) prepare for a home game against the Oregon State Beavers (5-10-3) that will take place at 7:00 PM PST in Eugene this Friday. This will be the first time back at Papé field for the Ducks since their tie against Cal. Both Oregon teams have been on the road in Arizona for their last two games. Neither team can qualify for the postseason regardless of the result, but it will be important for team morale to close the season on a high note. For Oregon, the biggest story here will be the records that key members of the team are hoping to set and extend in the final game of the season. For Oregon state, winning another game within the division would lessen the worry created by their disappointing 1-8-1 in-conference record.
Record-Breaking Seasons
Two key players on the UO squad look to set/extend records during Friday’s closer. Zoe Hasenauer, the 5th year Midfielder, recorded her 19th career assist during Sunday’s loss to Arizona. This sets the record for UO Women’s Soccer, and this could be extended behind a strong offensive showing against the Beavers at home. She has been a bright spot for Oregon’s offense throughout the season. Hasenauer also holds the record for most career starts with 89, both set down the stretch of her 5th year with the program. Oregon has been relying on second key player Leah Freeman- the highly impressive Keeper from Berkley who has been key to the Duck's defense. Oregon is 0-3-0 without Freeman on the field. She has already broken records for single-season shutouts and the fewest goals allowed. After sitting out against Arizona due to Covid-19 protocol, Freeman will look to Friday’s game to end her Junior year with another strong performance as she looks to move up the all-time list for total saves.
Arizona
With both teams having just returned from games against the two Arizona schools, the differing levels of success must be noted when comparing the teams ahead of the game on Friday. Oregon lost both games by scores of 1-4 to the Sun Devils and 1-5 to the Wildcats respectively. Of course, they suffered heavily from the lack of Defender Chai Cortez in the Arizona State game due to her ejection vs Cal the game prior, and then had to play with backup goalie Julia Richards in the Arizona game. These missing pieces did not help Oregon’s efforts, but the margins of victory were too large to completely excuse the losses. Oregon State fared better, splitting the games with a 2-3 loss to Arizona and a 3-1 win over Arizona State. The Beavers initially went down 0-1 in the Arizona State game, but the Sun Devils were unable to develop their offense without the aid of costly penalties that defined the first 30 minutes of the game for Oregon State. This was their first Pac-12 win of the season, something that will need to be worked on before the 2023 season if the program wants to have a chance of reaching regional success in the highly competitive Pac-12.
Oregon State Preview
The Beavers have had a tumultuous season to this point in the year, when after a promising start, a loss to UC Davis began a 1-10-1 skid in the middle of their season, resulting in a win-loss record barely over .350. Oregon State has struggled immensely within the division, not winning a single game at home against a conference rival so far this season. Oregon is the last chance for them to appear competitive against the Pac-12. The last time Oregon State beat Oregon was three years ago, in 2019. This was a home game for Oregon State, and interestingly, many comparisons can be made between Oregon’s 2019 roster and the current Oregon State roster. If Oregon State loses against the Ducks, both will have struggled heavily in their conference only beating Arizona State across the entire season, eventually finishing 1-9-2 after losing on the road against an in-state rival. If the Beavers want to break the losing streak that Oregon could not, they will look to retain offensive momentum after their win in Arizona. Of note is the breakout performance from defender Bryana Pizarro, who recorded an impressive stat line on the opposite side of the field with a goal and assist to secure the victory. Bryana played two seasons as a forward for Oregon State and emerged as their most impressive offensive weapon on Sunday, so it would not be surprising if she was given more flexibility in her positioning in the final game of the season.
Saying Goodbye
As the season comes to a close, the Ducks will have a recognition for 10 seniors who will be graduating at the end of this season. This graduating class includes Chai Cortez, Zoe Hasenauer, True Dydasco, Caitlin Shaw, Croix Soto, Kess Elmore, Madeline Gravante, Bel Rolley, and Lexi Romero. Oregon will close this season with a losing record, dropping off after last year when they had recorded 9 wins during the regular season. Moving on to next year, Oregon can find some solace in their impressive defensive unit staying mostly intact. 2023 will be a critical year for the program, with Leah Freemans’ senior year likely being a time when the Ducks could make a push to reach the postseason. This year, the Ducks had the misfortune of playing the 2nd hardest schedule in Women’s soccer, with the Pac-12 looking very strong throughout. Despite saying goodbye to several incredible players, there is optimism to be had for the Ducks- whether or not it will materialize will have to be determined.