By Jimmy Sheldrup |
The Portland Pilots hosted the University of the Pacific Tigers on sunday afternoon. The game also served as senior night for Hugo Rhoades and Colby Trah. The Pilots came away with a 2-1 victory.
The Pilots immediately started to space the field out, sending long passes downfield. From there, the team tried to pass into the middle of the field, applying pressure on the defense. The Pilots only took two shots on goal in the first 20 minutes, but the Pilots were able to keep the ball on Pacific’s side of the field.
The Pilot defense came into the game playing strong. Anchored by senior Hugo Rhoades, the Tigers struggled to find spaces to attack or create shots. The defense suffocated the Tigers.
The Tiger offense started to ramp up the intensity later in the first half. In minutes 29 and 32, the Tigers were able to methodically move into Portland territory, and put up two shots on goal, both of which were stopped.
As the first half of the game concluded, the momentum had begun to sway in favor of the Tigers. The Pilots were able to generate plays, but Portland had a hard time getting a shot up on goal. The first half concluded with a score of 0-0.
During the intermission, a rainstorm appeared and made the conditions for the rest of the game very slippery.
The Tigers came into the second half with guns blazing. In minute 46, keeper Paul Christensen blocked an initial shot on goal, but the ball deflected to a Pacific player who had a look at a wide open, keeper-less goal, but Conor Johnston was able to sprint in and head the ball out.
In minute 49, Rhoades sent a cross to Jacob Hanlin, who slid and scored for the Pilots. It was Hanlin’s second goal of the year, and gave the Pilots their first lead of the game.
The Pilots continued to apply pressure. Despite the downpour, the Pilots were able to limit the Tigers looks on goal. The Pilots were able to keep the Tigers in front of them, and forcing difficult shots. In minute 68, the Tigers equalized the game.
Eddie Sanchez scored in minute 78 to help Portland regain the lead. Brandon Zambrano had the ball just outside the keepers box, and was able to set up Sanchez as he streaked into the box.
“I stepped one way, and the defender went with me," Sanchez said. "So I cut the ball the other way, and got the goal.”
Christensen made a big save in minute 78, diving on the ball off a deflection before the Tigers had a chance to capitalize on the loose ball.
The game concluded with a score of 2-1, finishing the Pilots home schedule with a win.
Jimmy Sheldrup is a sports writer for The Beacon. He can be reached at sheldrup18@up.edu or on Twitter @CJSheldrup
