The Oregon women’s soccer team didn’t have a great year, record wise at least. They stumbled into a 4-12-3 finish, losing several games in heartbreaking fashion.

There is, however, plenty of reason to believe this team could turn things around next year. Most of the Duck losses were close, with games that easily could have gone their way. The coaches and players see potential for a dramatic turnaround.

So what will it take to accomplish this? What does the soccer team need to finish with a winning record next season? This season the soccer team was derailed by a few key deficiencies. If the team, and coach Kat Mertz, can address these issues then the Ducks should be able to have a much stronger finish.

The most glaring issue is the lack of an offensive weapon who can finish scoring chances. Goals came at a premium for this team, as they were only able to score 14 times. They were also shutout in eight games.

So who can step up into that lead scoring position? The obvious choices are between Bri Pugh, Kristen Parr and ShayLee Miner. Pugh is lightning fast and was the Ducks’ best attacker this past season. Parr has a pedigree for scoring goals and has the strongest shot of the three. Finally Miner, who just finished her freshman year, has the most potential and room to grow.

While all three are strong players, it is Parr who will emerge as Oregon’s leading scorer. As a freshman, Parr led the Ducks with a blistering seven goals, though her numbers dipped this last season. Now headed into her junior year Parr should be able to return to her early form, using her strength and field vision to play off her faster teammates, creating open looks for herself.

Fast is a perfect description for the Ducks, who seem to feature superior speed across every position. This is of course gives them a tactical edge over many teams, though at times the Ducks seem to lack physical play. Often Oregon would look intimidated when they went up against some of the rougher and more physical Pac-12 teams. This caused them to lose out on 50/50 balls, hurting their ability to keep possession and control the pace of the game.

Midfielder Kiyomi Cook, who is headed into her senior year, is the best returning option to provide that punch as she made her living last season crashing into opposing players. Cook will have to become more of a vocal leader, hopefully inspiring her teammates to pick up her style of play.

Finally Oregon will have to replace their two departing seniors, defensive starters Gabbie Lindeman and Achijah Berry. Both Lindeman and Berry were integral parts of a defensive line that played very well all season. Coach Mertz will either have to turn to her bench or recruit in new talent to fill the void their departure has created. The leadership that is lost from the defensive third will have to be replaced. Mertz will most likely put that upon star goalkeeper Abby Steele who is a player known for her vocal play. Steele, who will also be a senior, needs to help integrate the new starters to mitigate the effects the transition may have on their games. Watch to see how the defense starts off next season, as a slow start is more than likely as the players get used to playing with one another.

Oregon soccer will be better next season as this is a young team. How much better will depend the adjustments they are able to make to continue to grow and compete in the ever-competitive Pac-12. While they won’t be raising the trophy quite yet, a shot at a postseason run isn’t out of the question for the Ducks.