Box Score I Video Highlights l Photo Gallary

PORTLAND, Ore. --- The No. 23 Pilots battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the score, but San Diego State’s Sarah Halverson netted the game-winner in the 75th minute as the No. 7 Aztecs defeated Portland 3-2 in a non-conference women’s soccer game played on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon at Merlo Field. The Pilots, who open play in the West Coast Conference later this week, now sit at 6-3-2 on the season. SDSU improves to 12-1-1.
 
The Pilots found themselves in an early hole as Tiffany Hurst and Megan Jurado scored for the Aztecs within the first 18 minutes of the game. Hurst put away a shot off a nice feed from Jurado, who then gave the Aztecs a 2-nil lead on a world class strike in the 18th minute.
 
Jurado, SDSU’s leading goal scorer, took a pass from Haley Palmer before sending in a perfectly placed shot into the upper right corner of the frame from 24 yards out. The shot skimmed the bottom of the crossbar on its way in.
 
But Portland responded, and Amanda Frisbie made it a one-goal deficit when she converted a PK in the 26th minute. The Pilots were awarded the PK when Frisbie was taken down from behind inside the 18-yard box. The goal is Frisbie’s team-best seventh of the year.
 
Barely two minutes later Taylor Brooke equalized when she finished off of a well-placed corner kick by Micelle Cruz. Cruz’s delivery sailed just over the out-reach hand of San Diego State goalkeeper Rachel Boaz, and Brooke flew in to bury a shot and tie the score at 2-2. It’s the first goal of the season for Brooke, a senior defender.
 
The Pilots then came out of the half-time locker room energized and had a golden opportunity just 32 seconds into the second half. Noelle La Prevotte found herself in a one-v-one opportunity, but Boaz came off her line to stop the initial shot from the freshman. La Prevotte then gathered in the rebound, but her second attempt was wide of the goal.
 
The score would them remain even until Halverson was able to capitalize on a San Diego State corner kick  with 15 minutes left in regulation. Jurado drove a low ball into the center of the box, where Halverson finished with a header to hand the lead back to the Aztecs.
 
Portland then looked for the equalizer during the closing minutes, but Boaz came up with a save, and La Prevotte unleashed a shot from distance that was wide of the right post in the 89th minute.
 
The Aztecs claimed a slim 17-13 advantage in shots and both sides finished with seven shots on-target. Portland junior goalkeeper Erin Dees made four saves on the afternoon, while Boaz countered with five.
 
It was a festive afternoon at Merlo Field as the Pilots celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their 2002 National Championship. Members from the 2002 team were honored with a halftime ceremony.
 
Also in attendance were city commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz, who presented the Pilots with a Spirit of Portland award before the game. Spirit of Portland awards have been given annually by the City of Portland since 1985 to recognize those who have made a positive difference in the community.
 
The Pilots next travel to Spokane, Wash., for a 3 p.m. match on Thursday against conference foe Gonzaga. Then on Saturday, Portland returns home to host fourth-ranked BYU at 7 p.m.