Box Score I
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. --- Connor Barbaree notched the equalizer and Ben Hemphill scored the game-winner as the Portland Pilots came from behind to defeat the San Diego Toreros 2-1 in a West Coast Conference men’s soccer game at Torero Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It’s the fifth straight win for the Pilots, who now sit just one point out of first place in the league standings.
Portland improves to 10-6-2 overall and to 5-4-1 in the WCC. The Toreros are also 5-4-1 in the conference, while falling to 8-8-1 overall.
Portland was forced to play from behind early after the Toreros were awarded a penalty kick in the 22nd minute. Dan Delgado converted to give San Diego the 1-nil advantage.
Down one, the Pilots remained composed and eventually found the back of the net courtesy a world class effort from Barbaree in the 34th minute. From the top right corner of the 18-yard box, Barbaree volleyed a shot into the top left corner of the net, tying the score at 1-1. The feed came from Brenden McAleese, who assisted on both Portland goals.
Still tied two minutes into the second half, Hemphill gave Portland the lead on another stellar finish. This time McAleese sent a ball towards the middle of the box where Hemphill was moving across the goal. Hemphill then flicked a shot inside the left post with the inside of his right foot, giving UP a 2-1 lead that would stand.
It’s the second goal of the season for Hemphill, who also picks up his first game-winner.
Portland sophomore goalkeeper Justin Baarts was clutch, finishing the match with six saves on 10 shots from the Toreros. Six of UP’s eight shots were on-goal, while USD keeper Michael D’Arrigo made four saves.
The Pilots, who are also riding an six match unbeaten string, next return home to conclude the regular season with a pair of key WCC matches next weekend at Merlo Field. Portland will host San Francisco at 7 p.m. on Friday night, while Sunday’s regular season finale against Santa Clara is set for 1 p.m.
Portland, San Diego, LMU and Santa Clara are all tied for second place in the league standings with 16 points. First-place Saint Mary’s is just a point ahead with 17.
