By Nicholas Slepnikoff
Despite injuries, setbacks and dashed hopes, one thing is clear for the Pilots after losing a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals: they still haven't figured out how to get past UCLA. For the third time in the last four years, the Bruins knocked the Pilots from the tournament.
Playing at Drake Stadium last Saturday, Portland once again started off strong. At two minutes and one second, Foxhoven received a pass from Chandhoke, who wrested the ball from one of UCLA's defenders, and scored a goal. For 28 minutes, the Pilots held the lead. Although Foxhoven and Chandhoke started the game with an early goal, the Pilots did not score for the rest of the game.
After a deflection off sophomore Michelle Olivier, the Bruins tied it up. Junior Keelin Winters, who attempted two shots during the game, said the deflection was unlucky.
"We've been taught to block shots," Winters said, "and it was unfortunate that it went off Michelle, who was doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing at center back."
Within three minutes, the Bruins scored again. Outshooting Portland with 19 shots with nine on target, the Bruins fed off their fans and off the recent goal.
Holding the lead into the second half, UCLA fought off Portland's attack. Fighting to come back, the Pilots were unable to capitalize on seven corner kicks and five shot attempts in the second half.
In the last 17 minutes of the match, these attempts and corner kicks put the Bruins on the defense. Although several of these kicks lofted the ball into dangerous positions, the Pilots were not able to put one away.
And even as the Bruins increase their Pilot-proof playoff barrier, Smith avowed he was proud of the team and said that some games come down to just a little luck.
"We battled back trying to dig ourselves out of our hole, but this is a tough place to get a win," Smith said. "UCLA is a great team playing at home and they put us on our heels." Ending their season with a 21-2 record, the team managed to secure the second most wins in school history.
Portland will also be graduating seniors Kelsey Davis, Megan Sweeney, Janelle Jacka and Michelle Enyeart.
UCLA, who is 21-2-1, will face the undefeated Stanford Cardinals at College Station, Texas on Dec. 4 for the semifinals.
At the Hokies game, which was at Merlo Field on Nov. 20, the Pilots came into the match strong and ready to win. Although down senior Michelle Enyeart, the Pilots started the game with a goal four minutes into play. Shot by sophomore Danielle Foxhoven and assisted by junior Kendra Chandhoke, the goal exhibited the intensity Portland brought into the Championships.
Although the Hokies managed to answer back with a quick score at five minutes and 29 seconds, the Pilots, unfazed, scored three more goals in the first half for the win.
Coach Garrett Smith said the team stayed with it and managed to break through the defense.
"It was a great night of soccer for the Pilots," Smith said. "We kept our composure ... continued to press and got more goals."
Men's Soccer
Men's Soccer faced the Virginia Cavaliers on Nov. 29, a familiar team, in the third round. Having lost to the team earlier in the season, the Pilots were out for the win. Although they outshot the Cavaliers 12 shots with 16 shots in the game, the Pilots could not connect and struggled to sneak one in, losing 1-0.
Virginia scored the only goal in the beginning of the second half. Although Warner had chances towards the end of the game, the Pilots could not crack through the Cavalier defense and put one past Virginia's goalkeeper. Senior Drew Chrostek said the Virginia team played great defense and that the goalkeeper had several great saves.
"It's easy to see why they haven't allowed a goal in nine games," Chrostek said.
Irwin said the Pilots came in willing to give everything they had.
"Virginia is a very good side and I wish them all the best," Irwin said. "We came in here and gave them all they (could) handle. We did our program proud and I have nothing but admiration for our guys."
Portland will be graduating seniors Drew Chrostek, Logan Emory, Collen Warner and Greg Rouse.
In their first round match, the Pilots beat the New Mexico Lobos in a 2-1 overtime victory on Nov. 19. Senior Collen Warner scored both goals in the match.
The game showcased a barrage of shots. New Mexico had 21 shots with eight on target, while the Pilots had 10 shots with only four on target. Despite the explosive kicks, few goals made it into the net. The Lobos scored first.
In the second half, Warner, with the assistance of junior Ryan Luke, scored at 83 minutes and 18 seconds.
Unable to score another goal in regulation, the two teams went into overtime, when the Pilots lost junior goalkeeper Austin Guerrero to a red card.
Despite the ejection, Warner again came in to score a goal at 97 minutes and seven seconds.
Assisted by senior Logan Emory, Warner's roommate, Warner sped the Lobos defense and beat the keeper in a one on one situation. With the game decided by the golden goal policy in the NCAA Championships, the Pilots advanced to the second round where they would face North Carolina State.
Playing last Sunday at North Carolina State, the men won their second round beating the Wolfpack in a 2-0 victory. Making their attempts count and capitalizing on faults by North Carolina State, the Pilots pushed two goals past North Carolina State.
Scoring at one minute and three seconds, the Pilots gained an early lead after senior Drew Chrostek scored off a corner kick from junior Jarad vanSchaik.
There were no goals for the remainder of the half as the two teams battled.
After the second half began, the Wolfpack scored in minute 59. Unfazed by the goal, the Pilots came back.
Receiving a solid loft from Warner, junior Ryan Luke headed the ball in for a goal at 62 minutes and seven seconds.
Guerrero was also unable to play in the North Carolina game because of the red card he had received in the New Mexico match.
He was replaced by freshman goalkeeper Justin Baarts. Only letting one past, Baarts debuted with three saves in the 90 minute match.
