The Oregon soccer team’s quest for a breakthrough season begins against North Carolina State on Friday at Papé Field (5 p.m. PT, Pac-12 Networks). Entering their fifth season under head coach Kat Mertz, the Ducks have embraced the theme “#BreakThrough” to encapsulate their quest for a Pac-12 title chance. With a nice blend of experience and youth on the roster, Mertz said depth and soccer IQ can be difference makers for Oregon this fall. The Ducks open the regular season against the Wolfpack after playing Portland to a draw in an exhibition Saturday. Mertz used 24 players in that match, illustrating the depth Oregon can deploy.
