With 10 returning starters and a roster that includes only three seniors, the expectations for the Oregon women’s soccer team are at a level that few have experienced.
The 2003 season was a groundbreaking one. They won a school-best nine matches, including a school record three Pacific-10 Conference wins. Oregon’s offense combined for 28 goals — their second highest total ever.
To improve on last year’s success, the Ducks will have to overcome a rash of injuries during the spring to a number of prominent players.
“The injuries in the spring were kind of a set back,” freshman Emily Danner said. “But I think it forced other people to step up in their place.”
Up front and on the offensive side of the ball, the Ducks’ top-three scoring threats return in 2004.
Junior Nicole Garbin returns from a productive 2003 season, where she rewrote the school record books in shots (70), assists (8) and points (22). However, Garbin enters the season questionable after a major knee injury in the spring.
Redshirt sophomore Andrea Valadez and junior Mele French will look to fill the scoring void left by Garbin.
Valadez broke the freshman record for assists in a season (5), tied the points mark (19), and stood third among freshman goals (7). However, Valadez also suffered a knee injury during the spring, but is hopeful to return soon. In 2003, French ranked second on the team in shots (44) and third in points (9) and goals (4) — two of them being game winners.
“We’ve raised our level of talent offensively, and their understanding and maturity really helped us last season,” head coach Bill Steffen said. “Now we have to carry on and keep developing.”
The midfield for the Ducks should be one of the strengths in 2004. Leading the charge will be junior Cristan Higa, who was fourth last season in shots (23) and shots on goal (10).
“I expect us to control the tempo, to be a core,” Higa said.
The defense will face some of the nation’s highest scoring teams in 2004, but a mix of experience and youth has Oregon hopeful.
“Last year they learned how to coordinate themselves better as a unit, and now we want to raise our level of consistency,” Steffen said. “We have several people willing to step up and take charge in the key positions, so we could be very strong.”
Redshirt goalie Domenique Lainez will return for her second year in the net. Lainez led the Pac-10 in the regular season in saves (90) and ranked second in saves per game (4.50).
“Dom quickly raised her game, and gave us a lot of great performances,” Steffen said. “With her experience, we look for her to continue to grow and become more consistent at a high level.”
The schedule for the Ducks will once again be a factor in their success. The Pac-10 has been traditionally tough after sending at least five teams to the NCAA Tournament each of the past four years.
“I like a tough schedule, it shows what kind of character we have,” Higa said. “It’s just a great feeling stepping up against the top teams.”
The Ducks will face four NCAA Tournament teams from last year — 2003 national runner-up Connecticut, 2002 national champion Portland, Utah and Central Connecticut State.

Brian Smith is a sports reporter for the Emerald