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.