By Jackson Elliott

Oregon Soccer defeated Arizona State University 1-0 in a very scrappy, back and forth match Sunday afternoon. It was overcast the whole game, with the oh so common Oregon rain joining us just as the game was closing up in the 88th minute. The Ducks improve to 3-1-1 in conference play and 8-1-4 overall.

The difference in the game was a 33rd minute solo effort from Kess Elmore. She picked up the ball at nearly the halfway line, dribbled past multiple defenders before benefiting from a healthy deflection off the defender to sneak it in past the goalie. Take nothing away from the finish however; it looked like it was going in the other corner regardless. The goal was the only shot on target of the match for the Ducks.

The tactics of both teams seemed to cancel each other out, especially in the midfield, leading to neither side really having strong possession. Oregon lined up in their classic 4-3-3, but Arizona State came out in a 3-4-3 that really seemed to confuse the Ducks. ASU was the better team for the majority of the game and created a lot of good chances, but Leah Freeman made sure that 1-0 was the final score, with some especially fantastic saves at the latter end of both halves. She finished with eight on the afternoon.

The Ducks host USC on Thursday before a central road trip to visit Colorado and Utah. Despite their difficulties scoring recently (seven goals in seven matches), the Oregon defense has looked as strong as ever, keeping six clean sheets out of their last seven. The team's ability to grind out games and find a winner through a moment of brilliance has been key all season and is something that Graeme Abel continues to speak about. Some might say it's unsustainable play, but Abel is confident that finding a way to win is a trait, not just dumb luck. This kind of coaching, confidence, and belief is what this Oregon Soccer team needs to remain stable and successful as they continue to enter uncharted territories as a team ranked at one point this year and now looking to make the postseason, both for the first time in program history.

Thursday's match kicks off at 4pm Pacific. Be sure to tune in on Pac-12 Networks or on 88.1 FM.