The first time Graeme Abel prepared to lead Oregon soccer onto the pitch, it was after a layoff of 15 months for the program.
As Abel and the Ducks prepare to open their second season together, Thursday at 7 p.m. against Fresno State at Pape Field, it's under markedly different conditions. The turnaround time since Oregon's last match isn't 15 months, but closer to 15 weeks.
Just a few months after wrapping up an unusual spring season due to the COVID pandemic, by beating Oregon State on April 16, the UO women's soccer program is again preparing to kick off another season, and at a more traditional time of year.