Eugene, Or. - The University of Oregon is laying the foundation for what they hope will be a long run to the national championship. After a disappointing 2008 season, the Ducks look to redeem themselves against a very tough schedule that includes four preseason top 10 opponents. The team is looking forward to the challenge of one of the toughest schedules in the country and sees it as an opportunity to write their own ticket to the national championship week in Denver.

The Ducks will look to come out of the gate strong as they travel to Minnesota from February 13-16 to play Minnesota-Duluth (7), the University of Minnesota, and BYU (4) for their first games of the season. Playing these top teams will certainly give the U of O a realistic bearing on their national standing.

After the Minnesota trip to open the season, the Ducks open league play against Boise State and first-year PNCLL team Portland State before embarking on their second major road trip. The team will travel to the Los Angeles area during spring break to play San Diego State, Loyola Marymount, and 2008 MCLA runners-up Chapman University (1). The results of these two major road trips will certainly play a major role in the outcome of the 2009 season for a young Oregon squad.

The Ducks will rely on a mix of veteran leadership at key positions and young talent throughout the season. "Twenty-four out of our 36 players are either freshmen or sophomores so we will definitely be looking for those classes to step up and deliver as the season progresses," says Coach John Wright.

Wright believes that the Ducks' defense will be a pillar of stability throughout the season, building on the veteran leadership of senior LSM Cole Magnuson and a depth of young talent at close defense. On the other side of the ball, senior midfielders Will DeSiervo and Jon Matusiefsky along with junior attackmen Chad Loescher and Justin Blackmore will look to lead a young offensive unit that Coach Andrew Clough believes will "surprise a lot of people during the season."

The Ducks are certainly ready to prove that last years' performance was a fluke and climb back into national title contention.

2009-02-01