University of Oregon women’s soccer adds top goal-scorer on transfer

EUGENE, Ore. – Lexi Romero, the 2019 Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year, is transferring to the University of Oregon.

Romero scored 14 goals last season as a freshman for Air Force to lead the MWC. She was also the conference’s total points leader with 33 and ranked second in game-winning goals with six. In addition to offensive player of the year laurels, Romero was honored as the MWC newcomer of the year. She is just the second player in Mountain West history to capture both the offensive player and newcomer of the year awards.

The Livermore, Calif., native ranked among the top 20 nationally in goals (12^th), points (17^th) and game-winning goals (10^th). She was the only freshman at the NCAA Division level with at least 14 goals and 33 points.

“Lexi’s passion and work ethic to evolve as a student-athlete makes her the perfect fit for us,” said Oregon head soccer coach Graeme Abel, who is in the final week of his first fall camp leading the Ducks. “She will give greater depth to a front line that is ready for the spring.

“We have had such a productive six weeks,” said Abel. “The development of our forwards has been down to their relentless pursuit of progress along with their ability to grind and push themselves to new heights. So the bonus of being able to add another threat like Lexi is huge.”

Romero will enroll at Oregon in time for the Covid-delayed 2020 season that is scheduled to begin in February. Under NCAA eligibility rules relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, the sophomore will have three years of eligibility left following the 2020 season.

Lexi Romero, F, 5-4, Livermore, Calif. (Livermore HS / Air Force)

BEFORE OREGON
Named both the Mountain West Conference offensive player of the year and the MWC newcomer of the year as a freshman for Air Force in 2019 … Is just the second player in MWC history to earn both awards … Also named MWC all-conference first team and all-newcomer … Played in 17 games, making 16 starts … Led the conference and team in total goals (14), total points (33), goals per game (.82), and points per game (1.94) … Ranked second in game-winning goals with six … Nationally, was 12th in goals, 17th in points and tenth in game-winning goals … Was the only freshman with at least 14 goals and 33 points in NCAA Division I … Set Air Force season records in goals, points and game-winning goals … A United Soccer Coaches All-Pacific Region second team selection … Scored two goals against both Seattle and New Mexico … Four of her six game-winning goals came in conference play … Had five assists on the season, including two against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi … Had an assist in the New Mexico game to give her a season-high five-point match.

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB
Attended the USAFA Prep School … Three year letterwinner at Livermore High School … Scored four goals for Livermore on senior night … A three-time all-league selection, leading the league in scoring three consecutive years … Three-time team MVP … Helped Livermore win the 2017 CIF North Coast Section title … A three-time Congressional award winner as the district’s most outstanding player … Two-time scholar-athlete … Played club ball for the Pleasanton Rage.

PERSONAL
Born in Los Alamitos, Calif. … Parents are Clint and Rebecca Romero … Major is undecided.