Official Site of the Ducks · Feb 8, 2021
Late Goal Lifts Ducks In Opener
EUGENE, Ore. — The start of the Graeme Abel era at Oregon was delayed months by the pandemic. But it was worth the wait.
The Oregon soccer team took the field for the first time in 15 months Sunday, and for the first time under Abel, who was hired in December 2019. The Ducks ushered in the new era of the program in dramatic and victorious fashion, beating Gonzaga, 1-0, on a goal by sophomore Ally Cook in the 87th minute.
The game was a physical test of wills, featuring 24 fouls — 15 by the visiting team. Quality scoring chances were scarce, but the Ducks converted a set piece to break the scoreless tie when Chai Cortez lofted a corner kick to the near post that Cook headed into the net.
