The Oregon men’s club ultimate team sent more than 40 members to the 2006 Chico Hops Tournament in Chico, Calif. Oct. 14-15. Oregon split its large roster into two squads, the only split squad present in the 16-team field. Both teams turned in a record of 4-2 over the weekend, ending their run in the quarterfinals. The Oregon “X” squad narrowly missed out on a semifinal berth, losing by one point to a Stanford team that tied for third place in last season’s national championship.
The weather was kind to the teams all weekend, creating a good setting for the first west coast tournament of the young season. Oregon’s split squads allowed all of its members to receive valuable game time while allowing the captains to evaluate the roster before the first team for the winter and spring terms is determined.
“We wanted to get out there and show off our new talent,” team coordinator Kevin Minderhout said.
The club showed off its depth with both squads reaching the final eight while also renewing a familiar rivalry with the Cardinal. As the top two teams from the Northwest region last season, Oregon and Stanford squared off for exciting matches last spring with Oregon prevailing in the Northwest regional tournament in February only to be eliminated by the Cardinal in the national quarterfinals in May. Unfortunately for the Ducks, the quarterfinal match in Chico ended similarly, with Stanford taking the match on “universe point” – ultimate terminology for a winner-take-all point.
“It’s really too early to tell, but Oregon and Stanford are the two forces,” Minderhout said.
Despite suffering another close defeat at the hands of the Cardinal, the Ducks feel good about their performance.
“I felt like we achieved our goals, it reinforced our confidence, and we’re excited to continue,” Minderhout said.
Club women’s soccer
The UO women’s soccer club overcame an early deficit to cruise to a 4-1 win over Central Washington Oct. 14 in Eugene. The Ducks return eight members of the team to their starting 11, and hope to use that experience to return to the regional tournament. Oregon found itself on the back foot early, as the Wildcats drew first blood in the first minute of the game.
“I think we weren’t 100 percent ready,” goalie Megan Clark said.
After the wake-up call, the Ducks quickly took control of the contest behind the strength of goals by Alice Peterson, Kat Penberthy and Christine Demartini, who netted two goals.
“We were making awesome connections,” Clark said. “I don’t think I had to touch the ball the entire second half.”
Oregon travels to Oregon State next weekend, then takes a longer trip to Ellensburg, Wash. for a rematch with Central Washington University. With a starting lineup featuring many veterans, Oregon is optimistic about repeating last season’s postseason berth.
“We have high hopes that we’ll make it to regionals,” Clark said.