Soccer: Oregon vs Washington
On the face of it, the matchup between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies soccer teams does not look particularly compelling. The middle of the pack Huskies (11-4-2/4-3-1) have shown little ability to distinguish themselves in a competitive conference. Meanwhile the Ducks (4-13/1-8) sit in last place in the PAC-12 and can only be said to be in a rebuilding mode.
There is some hope, however, that this game could turn engaging. Any contest between Oregon and Washington immediately has something added to it, as the fierce border rivalry permeates through all athletics.
Oregon has just one win in conference this year, but there have been signs of life in the attack for the Ducks, if they can utilize the set piece, where they have faltered somewhat in recent matches, they could have a chance to come away with a point or three here.
For Washington, sixth in the conference can hardly be looked at as a negative at this point. However, Lesle Gallimore’s squad will view games against teams in the bottom half, such as Oregon, as must wins in order to maintain their position.
The most compelling narrative going into this match is whether this dismal season for the Ducks is the beginning of Oregon Head Coach Kat Mertz’s rebuilding plan or a condemnation of the team. Time will tell, but at home against a middling Huskies team the Ducks have a real chance to make something of this campaign.
