Oregon soccer defeated the Utah Utes 1-0 this afternoon at Pape Field.

It was a quick start for the Ducks and Oregon was able to get on the board first.

In the 10th minute a leading pass from junior Kristen Parr, Bri Pugh was able to find the back night, beating Utah’s goalie Lindsey Luke with a shot from the left side to the top right corner of the net.

“Their outside back was way overcommitted, and I saw a lot of space and made a run,” Pugh said. “It was early so my legs weren’t tired yet and Kristen played a great ball.”

Pugh’s goal was her second of the season, with her last goal on Aug. 24 against Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“It’s been a long time coming, so it felt good,” said Pugh.

Oregon had quite a few opportunities through out the first half and the Ducks finished with four shots for the first half.

The Utes were almost able to tie up the match in the first half in the 39th minute. Utah made a nice cross to the left side of the field, but Katie Taylor shot the ball too high after the net.

In the 43rd minute, Luke was pressured by an Oregon cross from Kelsey Foo and a quick rebound shot from defender Riley Smith.

Kelsey Foo took a hard tumble towards the end of the first, but was able to walk off on her own.

In the second half, Utah came out with a little more energy compared to the first.

However, Oregon was able to contain the Utes with help from Abby Steele. In the 58th minute Ryan Davie also made a big defense play in front of Oregon’s goal to fend off Utah’s offensive pressure.

Steele picked up another save in the 61st minute from a header shot from Utah’s Taylor.

Oregon continued to have scoring chances throughout the half, but Luke continued to stay strong in the net.

The team had a scary moment in the 80th minute as Steele and Smith collided as Steele leaped in the air to punch the ball away from going in the net. Steele appeared to be fine but sophomore Lauren Holden came in to take her place in net.

Holden said it was a big shock to go in and was definitely a little nervous, but still felt comfortable knowing she had a strong defense in front of her.

“Once I am at there, I know what I am doing and I feel pretty confident once I am out there,” said Holden.

When asked about Steele’s status after the game, coach Mertz hinted that she thought it may of been an aggravated injury to her shoulder from the Arizona game last Sunday.

Mertz also added that she has the upmost confidence in Holden being able to help the Ducks finish the game with a win.

Minutes later Oregon was able to sneak by as Reilley Moore made a sliding stop, but also injured herself as she slammed into the post.

Again Utah had one last shot at redemption with a free kick from Avery Jenkins which allowed Katie Rigby to take a quick shot, but Holden was able to stand tall in the net and notch a save in a stressful last minute.

“They clearly had a couple chances at the end, but that is us trying to figure out how to win a game,” said Mertz. “We are up 1-0 and we get a little panicked and continue to give the ball away, but I am proud we got a shutout…we’ll take it.”

Next up for Oregon is Colorado on Sunday. That match is set for 1 p.m. at Papé Field.

Oregon soccer tied with No. 18 Arizona State 1-1 last night in Tempe, Arizona.

Redshirt junior defender Kelsey Foo got the Ducks on the board first as she scored on a penalty kick in the 71st minute.

An Arizona State player was called for a handball in the box, giving Foo the opportunity to take her first penalty shot this season. Foo placed the ball in the lower left corner of the goal as it whipped past Sun Devil keeper Chandler Morris.

Foo scored her first goal of the season and Oregon now has ten different players who have scored so far on the year.

Oregon stuck with the ranked Sun Devils for the duration of the game. The Ducks’s defense was strong in the first half, limiting Arizona State to just three shots and zero corners heading into half time.

Oregon finished the match with 17 shots compared to Arizona State’s 13.

Oregon’s 17 shots is its third-highest total on the year and its most since the Sep. 7 match against Cal State Fullerton.

However, the Sun Devils were able to get themselves back in the game as Arizona State’s second-leading scorer Aly Moon was able to covert of a header from Brianna Gonzalez to tie up the game 1-1 in the 87th minute.

Both teams could not score in the two overtimes played, although Arizona State came close towards the end of the second overtime as a chip shot over Oregon keeper Abby Steele went slightly wide of the goal.

The Ducks stand now at 5-3-2 and 1-0-1 in Pac-12 conference play.

Steele finished with two saves and Morris had four.

Oregon will travel to its next Arizona stop to face the Wildcats tomorrow at noon. Arizona beat Oregon State on Friday 2-0.

If you were to ask the defensive crew of Oregon’s soccer team to describe themselves, they would use one word:

Ruthless.

“We say ruthless because you got to be, as a defender you got to love to kick people,” senior Reilley Moore said. “You have to want to run through people. We want to do the dirty work. It’s rare that people have a passion for defending.”

Lead by senior goalkeeper Abby Steele, who broke the Oregon record for shutouts with 17 last Thursday, the defensive line has been confident in play so far and proud of its improvements from last season.

“I think we are doing really well, actually,” Steele said. “We haven’t conceded as many goals as last year’s beginning of the season and we just are positive.”

Moore sees the defense’s mental strength as the key change from this season compared to last.

“I think our mentality this season is a lot stronger than it was last season and it has helped us, especially us five,” Moore said. “We were a lot stronger than we were and it shows.”

The Colorado Spring native added that the defense’s commitment to the ball and strong mindset to win 1-v-1 battles has ultimately been what has really helped the team, so far. Currently, the Ducks (5-3-1) sit at fifth in the Pac-12 for goals allowed with six. This weekend, Oregon will travel down to Arizona to face both the Sun Devils and Wildcats. Although it is still early in the season for the Ducks, the defense said one of their main goals is to make it into postseason play.

“We are hoping to make the NCAA tournament, it would be the first time in Oregon women’s soccer history, so that would be really special,” redshirt freshman Caitlyn Wong said.

The defense is one of the more experienced group of players on the team, and with four seniors Moore, Steele, Riley Smith and Allie Rodriguez, they see the time on their collegiate soccer careers running out soon, so their eyes are set on the prize.

“I think that’s (going to the NCAA tournament) really important, especially to our senior class because we want to go out with a bang and really want to make a difference,” Riley Smith, a senior defender, said. “We really want to do it, so I think our mentality is all there.”

With their combined experience, they believe the time they have spent together has really created a bond on and off the field.

“We have gotten a lot closer over the four years we have been here because we came in with a really big class. We had our cliques and everything, but over the years we got a lot closer and the fact we are playing in the back line together now is just more helpful,” Steele said.

The tight-knit crew added they have a ritual they do before each game. A little saying and a handshake. But the details are a secret and chances are it will stay that way forever.

“We are the only group that is playing together the whole game,” Moore said. “We all know we have each other’s back.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman

If you were to ask the defensive crew of Oregon’s soccer team to describe themselves, they would use one word:

Ruthless.

“We say ruthless because you got to be, as a defender you got to love to kick people,” senior Reilley Moore said. “You have to want to run through people. We want to do the dirty work. It’s rare that people have a passion for defending.”

Lead by senior goalkeeper Abby Steele, who broke the Oregon record for shutouts with 17 last Thursday, the defensive line has been confident in play so far and proud of its improvements from last season.

“I think we are doing really well, actually,” Steele said. “We haven’t conceded as many goals as last year’s beginning of the season and we just are positive.”

Moore sees the defense’s mental strength as the key change from this season compared to last.

“I think our mentality this season is a lot stronger than it was last season and it has helped us, especially us five,” Moore said. “We were a lot stronger than we were and it shows.”

The Colorado Spring native added that the defense’s commitment to the ball and strong mindset to win 1-v-1 battles has ultimately been what has really helped the team, so far. Currently, the Ducks (5-3-1) sit at fifth in the Pac-12 for goals allowed with six. This weekend, Oregon will travel down to Arizona to face both the Sun Devils and Wildcats. Although it is still early in the season for the Ducks, the defense said one of their main goals is to make it into postseason play.

“We are hoping to make the NCAA tournament, it would be the first time in Oregon women’s soccer history, so that would be really special,” redshirt freshman Caitlyn Wong said.

The defense is one of the more experienced group of players on the team, and with four seniors Moore, Steele, Riley Smith and Allie Rodriguez, they see the time on their collegiate soccer careers running out soon, so their eyes are set on the prize.

“I think that’s (going to the NCAA tournament) really important, especially to our senior class because we want to go out with a bang and really want to make a difference,” Riley Smith, a senior defender, said. “We really want to do it, so I think our mentality is all there.”

With their combined experience, they believe the time they have spent together has really created a bond on and off the field.

“We have gotten a lot closer over the four years we have been here because we came in with a really big class. We had our cliques and everything, but over the years we got a lot closer and the fact we are playing in the back line together now is just more helpful,” Steele said.

The tight-knit crew added they have a ritual they do before each game. A little saying and a handshake. But the details are a secret and chances are it will stay that way forever.

“We are the only group that is playing together the whole game,” Moore said. “We all know we have each other’s back.”

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman

With the Oregon football team’s multiple uniform combinations throughout the years, it may be hard for fans to keep up with the game day fashion.

Nike first began outfitting the Ducks in 1996 and with the various colors and styles, it’s safe to say that Oregon is killing it in the football uniform fashion scene.

So how do you keep up as a fan?

For starters, the Oregon athletic department set up a color schedule for each game, both home and away. This schedule gives fans a starting place for where to go with your game day attire.

First thing to note is that many Oregon fans tend to keep their GameDay look sporty and athletic. So, those Facebook photos you see of your friends in the South wearing dresses and pearls may look a little out of place as you are making the walk over the Willamette to Autzen Stadium. Keep it simple and make sure you are comfortable.

Here is how to make the most of each color.

WHITE

Oregon understands the fashion faux-pas of wearing white about Labor Day, as the only game scheduled for white was the home-opener on August 30 against South Dakota State, so the is one less color you will have to worry about for this season. However, it is never to late to plan ahead. It will most likely be hot, so make sure you keep it cool with a light and white T-shirt and a pair of shorts. To block the sun pick up a white hat or bring out your inner Chip Kelly with a white visor highlighted with a green O.

GREEN

Many of the green games are for later in the season, so make sure to have some green apparel that will keep you warm. One can wear a long sleeve shirt over a classic green game jersey. With the chance of cold wind or rain, make sure to have a green sweatshirt with a hood or windbreaker. Another way to stay warm would be to rock a green beanie or a knit headband. A green scarf accented with yellow would top off your winter wonderful Duck spirited outfit.

YELLOW 

If you plan to head to L.A. or the Bay Area to cheer on the Ducks this season, you will need some yellow swag. Nothing says “Go Ducks” more than a bright yellow shirt with a typical Oregon saying like “Win the Day” or “Quack Attack.” You will be seeing more sun those weekends than the entire winter term so make sure to pick up a pair of yellow sunglasses to match.

BLACK

For the home games against Arizona and Stanford, fans are encouraged to wear black in what will be two revenge games for the Ducks, as Oregon fell to both teams in last season’s Pac-12 play. Come wearing a sleep black Oregon jacket and dark jeans. Put on a black beanie or even drape a huge black Oregon flag around your neck. Yes, very superhero style. Finish off the tough look with some face decals or face paint.

Oregon soccer defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans 2-1 today in double overtime at Papé Field.

In the 109th minute, the Ducks found themselves with a scoring opportunity with a minute left in the match as Oregon defender Reilley Moore lined up for a free kick after a foul call on the Titans for pushing Oregon’s Kira Wagoner.

Head coach Kat Mertz said after the game that the play made her a nervous, but it ended up being the start of the game winning moment for her team.

As Moore kicked the ball deep towards Fullerton’s goal, senior Lilly Archer was able to get her head on the ball to flick it toward teammate Brooke Strawn. The ball was heading between the the Titan’s goalie and defenders as Strawn was able to get her head on the ball and beat Fullerton’s keeper Jennifer Stuart. However, Strawn and Staurt collided on the play.

Oregon’s sidelined rushed on to the field to congratulate their teammate, but Strawn laid on the grass in pain after the collision. In a post-game interview Strawn admitted that she didn’t really know if she scored or not.

“I was in pain and then all my teammates come and I thought ‘I must have scored’,” Strawn said. “But I didn’t really know at the time.”

Strawn, who says she’s the tallest player in the Pac-12, added that she looks for moments to use her height as an advantage.

“It’s what I identify myself with,” Strawn said.

When asked if the winning goal was suppose to play out like that Mertz stated “it wasn’t by design,” but emphasized how the team was looking to run toward the ball and flick it towards the goal.

Mertz added that she was proud of the team’s performance this weekend, as the Ducks tied with Eastern Michigan 1-1 on Friday.

“That was a good win for us,” Mertz said.

The Ducks were able to score fairly quickly in the match when Archer beat goalie Stuart off a penalty kick to put Oregon on the scoreboard first during the 15th minute.

“Lilly is just a worker. Whatever it is. The ball is there she is working,” Mertz said. “She is leading our time,she is pushing them and everyone is kinda catching up.”

Archer has been a key component of the Duck’s offense from corner kicks to penalty kicks (she took her second of the season) and spoke about her confidence with taking penalty kicks in games.

“I usually know what I am going to do,” Archer said. “I picked a spot and I have a plan. The moment you doubt it you either miss it or play to the keeper.”

However, Cal State Fullerton was able to respond in the 20th minute as Rebecca Wilson went sprinting down the middle with a leading pass from Ali White beating two Oregon defenders in a foot race and leaving Oregon keeper Abby Steele with a one-on-one situation in goal. Wilson was able to beat Steele with a low shot on the right side.

Fullerton kept pushing with speed, but Steele came up with a couple big saves to keep the Ducks in the game and finished the match with five total.

The Titans outshot the Ducks in the first half 7-5, but Oregon found more offensive rhythm in the second half and finished the game outshooting Cal State Fullerton 19-10.

“I think it was adjustment, once again it is about a 90-minute game. I thought we got a little but complacent when we got that goal and we fell asleep,” said Mertz. “For us that is part of growing and learning how to win, if we are going to keep and maintain possession of the ball you can’t turn off defensively.”

Next up for Oregon is Portland State. They face the Vikings on Friday in Portland, Ore.

“We are pretty happy with what we are doing right now,” said Strawn. “We are working hard in practice. We are tweaking little things here and there and looking forward to our next game against Portland State.”

Oregon is now 4-1-1 on the season.

Let’s be real. The game at Autzen this week may not be the most thrilling. Although many Duck fans will be excited to take the long awaited walk over the Willamette and cheer Oregon on, there are already many enticing games slated for the opening week of college football. To make the most of this first weekend, make sure to catch these games.

Thursday, August 28 

3 p.m. SEC Network

No. 21 Texas A&M at No. 9 South Carolina

While the Aggies will be without Johnny Manziel and South Carolina will not have the NFL’s first round draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, it should be interesting who will step up and be the next big stars for these two top 25 teams. This matchup will also be a game of debuts as the SEC network will broadcast its first football broadcast and we will see sophomore Kenny Hill’s first start behind center for Texas A&M.

Friday, August 29

4:30 p.m. BNT

Jacksonville State at No. 8 Michigan State

Yes, this game will most likely be a rout, and as much as teams say the focus is one game at a time, it’s hard to not think about how the next opponent is looking during week one. Certainly, don’t spend too much of your Friday night watching this game, however, it could be interesting to get a sneak peek of what type of team Oregon will face at Autzen the next week. Coming off their Rose Bowl victory, the Spartans will be lead by many talented players on defense such as Shilique Calhoun.

Saturday, August 30

2:30 p.m. ESPN

No. 16 Clemson at No. 12 Georgia

This game should be a great head-to-head matchup against two top 25 teams and a great opportunity for both teams to make a statement in week one. Georgia could certainly use an early season win due to its schedule in the dominant SEC conference.

No. 1 Florida State vs. Oklahoma State

5 p.m. ABC

Oklahoma State is an inexperienced team this season, but it should be interesting to see how the reigning national championship team Florida State, led by Heisman winner Jameis Winston, reacts in week one.

No. 14 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 LSU

6 p.m. ESPN

This should be another exciting top 25 matchup against two fairly even teams. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and both teams will have the chance to prove themselves early on in the season. One interesting aspect of the game will be at the quarterback position, where the Badgers’ Tanner McEvoy will make his first start. Les Miles has not been totally clear about who will play behind center for the Tigers.

 No. 25 Washington at Hawaii

7:30 p.m. CBS Sports Network

Although this is the same time as the Oregon game, it would be interesting to see how Oregon’s border rival, Washington, looks in the first week. Although Hawaii is not that strong of a team, this game will mark Huskies’ coach Chris Petersen’s debut. In addition, Budda Baker may see his first collegiate action as a freshman. Baker, a top  prospect in the class of 2014, made headlines when he decommitted to Oregon in January.

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethmaiman

With each football season comes the potential for exciting moments. As Oregon is into its second week of summer practice, here is a look back on some of last season’s most memorable moments.

Coach Mark Helfrich’s first win in domination of Nicholls State

Oregon put up 66 points and held Nicholls State to three in Helfrich’s debut as head coach after the departure of Chip Kelly. Although the Ducks certainly didn’t face their toughest competition that day, fans got an insight into just how explosive Oregon’s offense could be. De’Anthony Thomas and Byron Marshall provided an early look at the Ducks’ running talent, both rushing for over 100 yards while quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for 234 yards and one touchdown.

Freshman Johnny Mundt shows up against Tennessee 

As former starting tight end Colt Lyerla was absent in Oregon’s third game of the season, freshman tight end Johnny Mundt had a breakout performance catching five receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. His performance earned him the John Mackey Tight End of the Week award and proved that the Ducks had another threat at the position along with Pharaoh Brown.

Oregon vs Cal “Monsoon”

The insane weather of the Oregon vs. California game in Autzen Stadium is probably more memorable than the actual play itself. However, the rain did not hinder the Ducks, who went on to beat the Golden Bears 55-16.

Josh Huff gutsy plays

The Oregon Ducks may certainly miss the presence and leadership of Josh Huff, who is currently on the Philadelphia Eagle’s roster. Huff was carted off the field and suffered an ankle injury in Seattle against Washington, but later returned to score a 65-yard touchdown on Oregon’s first possession of the second half. Fast forward to the Civil War match-up where the senior scored the game-winning touchdown with 29 seconds left.

Debacle in the desert

Although some Duck fans hope to forget the disappointing game in Tucson were Oregon fell to Arizona in Tucson 42-16. The loss took Oregon out of the running for a chance to play in a BCS bowl game. Mariota picked up his first interception on November 17, 2012 against Stanford.

DAT speed

Although De’Anthony Thomas left Eugene early for the NFL and is now with the Kansas City Chiefs, the running back certainly displayed his speed during last season. Thomas showed his skills early in the season in Virginia, where he picked up three touchdowns for 124 yards. Thomas also shined when Oregon faced Utah as he scored an 86-yard touchdown off a kick return.

Aliotti’s last game as defense steps up in Alamo Bowl

Oregon ended its season and former defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti’s career on a high note as they beat the Texas Longhorns 30-7 in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Aliotti’s defense contributed with two interceptions run back for touchdowns.

Every football season brings many Oregon students to Autzen Stadium to root on the Ducks. Football games have become a thrilling and attractive aspect at the University of Oregon. The Emerald asked some UO students about their favorite memories and traditions for football games in the rowdy Autzen atmosphere.

Brooke Thomson

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Favorite memory at Autzen: My favorite memory at Autzen was the Cal game, which was my first live football game and my first time seeing Autzen. There was a monsoon in Oregon that night but it still never rains in Autzen stadium.

Saddest moment at Autzen: The last home game of the season that I would be at. It was a rough walk back to campus.

Traditions you like to do for football games: My friends and I always like to get breakfast before the games (usually at Carson dining hall for brunch) in all our duck gear and then head to the stadium at least two hours before to get the best possible standing room.

Hopes or plans for this season: I would love to be front row at a game. I am definitely planning on going to every single home game.

Stefan Boehmer

Year: Junior

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Favorite memory at Autzen: Going to games with my Dad. We would always go together and it was a way to bond and we made memories.

Traditions you like to do for football games: Walking over the bridge with all my brothers of Delta Sigma Phi. I always make sure I am wearing my best Duck gear and representing the team with green and yellow.

Brooke Elizabeth Thompson

Year: Senior

Hometown: Salem, Oregon

Favorite memory at Autzen: Seeing a dedicated fan hysterically cry over LaMichael James dislocating his elbow at the end of the Cal game in 2011. Actually the energy in the entire student section went to the floor. Looking back now, it shows how invested the students are to the team and the players. LaMichael was fine and had an incredible season!

Traditions you like to do for football games: Waking up with the best feeling because I know its Game Day.

Favorite performance: Ducks vs UCLA in the Pac 12 Championship at Autzen in 2012.

Best tailgate food: Beer … and chips and dip.

Daniel Goodkin-Gold

Year: Senior

Hometown: Ventura, California

Favorite memory at Autzen: My freshman year in 2011 when De’Anthony Thomas had a kick return for a touchdown against USC that started our comeback despite losing that game.

Saddest memory at Autzen: Sitting in the end zone against Stanford with a square on view of the missed field goal. I have also been in Autzen for all of the home loses in the last four years.

Traditions you like to do for football games: I used to have a tradition, which has since been ruined of going to the Carl’s Jr. on Franklin after every game and it is no longer there. So that is sad. I get there pretty early, I am one of those guys. I get there about four hours before kick-off.

After coming off an Alamo Bowl victory in late December and finishing the season with an overall record of 11-2, Oregon was ranked fourth in USA Today’s Amway Coaches Poll released Thursday.

Earning the top spot is reigning BCS national champions Florida State, who finished 14-0 last season. The Seminoles received 56 of the 62 first-place votes.

Alabama and Oklahoma were ranked second and third, respectively.

A total of six Pac-12 teams made the top 25 list. The SEC was represented the most in the poll with seven teams.

The other Pac-12 team to crack the top 10 was UCLA, who were picked at No. 7, while Stanford came in at No. 11. USC came in at No. 15, Arizona State was ranked No. 18 and Washington rounded out the list at No. 25.

The entire poll can be seen here.

Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman