Soccer Visits Pair of Top-15 Teams

Oregon makes the trip to southern California to play No. 15 USC (Thurs., 3 p.m.) and No. 5 UCLA (Sun., 1 p.m.).

ON THE PITCH
• Oregon's freshman accounted for two goals, three assists and 18 shots last week against Colorado and Utah.
• The Ducks are one of the youngest teams in the nation. Oregon's 29-player roster features 15 freshmen (10 true freshman, 5 RS-freshmen), 9 sophomores, 4 juniors, no seniors and 1 fifth-year player.
• Among major conference schools, Oregon's 15 freshmen trails only Pittsburgh for the most on its 2023 roster. The Panthers have 16 freshmen, one ahead of the Ducks. Among all conferences, Jacksonville has 21 freshmen while Hampton has 18.
• Oregon's freshmen have accounted for 59.8 percent of the team's shots (58-of-97) and have made nearly half of the team's starts (56-of-121; 46.3 percent). The Ducks have started five or more freshmen eight times this season with a high of seven Aug. 27 at Missouri State. Duck freshmen have also registered two goals and six assists.
• Three freshmen - Cameron Bourne, Kristen Conti and Mia McSweeney - have started all 11 games this season.
• Half of the Ducks' starting back line from a year ago is now playing professionally in the NWSL. Croix Soto is playing with the Kansas City Current, while Chai Cortez is with the San Diego Wave.
• Oregon's schedule is the toughest in the Pac-12 and 13th nationally according to this week's NCAA RPI report. The Ducks' eight remaining opponents have a combined record of 52-20-14. Oregon played the 11th-toughest schedule in the nation in 2022.

FRESHMEN TAKE CENTER STAGE VS. COLORADO & UTAH
Oregon's freshmen class had a big weekend against Colorado and Utah. Freshmen accounted for two goals, three assists, 18 shots and 18 saves versus the mountain schools. Kristen Conti scored her first career goal against Colorado, while Livvy Moore attempted a career-high three shots. The rookies continued to shine three days later against Utah. Ryann Reynolds, Mia McSweeney and Cameron Bourne all got their first career assists, while Lauren Kenny checked in with her first career goal. Another freshman, Grace Mensah, led the Ducks with four shots against the Buffaloes. In goal, freshman Leah Parsons got her first two career starts and made 11 saves against Colorado, which was tied for ninth on the UO single-game top 10.

YOUTH MOVEMENT
Oregon is one of the youngest teams in the nation. The Ducks rank fourth overall, and second among power conference teams, with 15 freshmen on the roster. Jacksonville has the most with 21, Followed by Hampton (18), Pitt (16) and Oregon, Maryland, Iona and Utah Tech (15).
Most Freshmen on the 2023 Roster
1.   21   Jacksonville
2.   18   Hampton
3.   16   Pitt
4.   15   Oregon, Iona, Maryland, Utah Tech