Ducks Prepare for Oregon State in Civil War

EUGENE, Ore. - Whether you're on the road, at the grocery store or at the gym, alliances to the two biggest schools in the state of Oregon are split in half. Every year, bragging rights are up for grabs to show who the best school in the state is. The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers will battle once again Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Corvallis on Pac-12 Networks in what is known as the Civil War.

Both schools fight to recruit Oregon's best soccer prospects and create a friendly rivalry between former teammates. This goes for two newcomers and in-state products, Emma Eddy and Mia Palmer.

Eddy is a Eugene native and is a graduate of local powerhouse Sheldon High School. After transferring from the University of Idaho this summer.

Eddy fit right in as at the University of Oregon but looks forward to reconvene with a childhood friend wearing the orange and black.

"Obviously the Duck support is huge in Eugene and I've always been a part of it but was never a Duck so to be a Duck now is really special," Eddy said. "I'm excited to beat them."

Eddy will be hungry to score against the rival Beavers. Although the sophomore forward recorded an assist against Utah, Eddy hasn't been able to find the net yet. With the return of junior forward Kyra Fawcett last match, the Beavers might leave another Oregon forward open.

"I'm so glad she's back. I felt bad that she got hurt and I wish I could play with her more often," Eddy said. "She's a key player on the team and definitely a goal scorer."

Fawcett was Oregon's leading goal scorer in 2016 with five and led the team with four goals in 2017 until her injury in late September against UCLA. The Utah native has two game-winning goals this season, against Oklahoma and Cal Poly. The forward is also tied for 8th all-time at Oregon with 12 career goals.

The Ducks will need to improve from their performance against Colorado last weekend when they were shutout at home. It's taken at least two goals to win six of the last seven Civil Wars.

"We have to be lethal in front of goal," head coach Kat Mertz said. "We weren't very dangerous in the first half against Colorado but did better in the second half. There's no doubt that we need to have to be sharp in the final third."

Scoring goals will always increase your chances of winning the match but defending is just as important. Palmer, the freshman fullback is just as excited for the Civil War as anyone else.

"I've always been a Duck," Palmer said. "My parents went to school here so it's definitely a big deal for me."

Palmer has contributed instantly and has played the second-most minutes of all freshmen this season. The Portland native will be facing off against a few club soccer teammates come Thursday.

"We're trying to stay focused. It's our last game so we want to reel it in and continue to work hard," Palmer said. "It's been a big transition from playing club to now playing college. There's definitely a difference and I'm learning about my teammates and how Oregon likes to play. I'm having a great time."

Surely, rivalry week fuels teams to be dialed in and ready for battle but as the season winds down, the Ducks felt the need to have some fun.
Tuesday's training session was a bit different than normal. Halloween fell on a Tuesday this year and Oregon reminded everyone with their stylish costumes. Even the coaching staff participated.

Oregon's festive Halloween practice featured the annual dodge ball tournament. Costumes ranged from Marvel and DC cominc characters to peanut butter and jelly.

There won't be much motivation needed ahead of Thursday's clash. Not only is this the Civil War, but the Beavers defeated the Ducks last season, 1-0, in Eugene. Beaver forward and England international Emma Jones was the lone goal scorer, It was her only goal in the entire 2016 season.

Oregon will look to close the season out on a positive note and also reach nine wins. The Ducks have not reached that winning total since the 2009 season.

"If you don't get excited for Thursday's game than you shouldn't be a Duck," Mertz said. "It's about school pride and state pride. This is what the game is all about."

The Civil War will be live on Pac-12 Networks from Lorenz Field in Corvallis Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

- goducks.com -