PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland freshman Larkin Russell scored her first career goal and junior Hannah Griffiths Boston claimed the game-winner as the Pilots rolled to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Huskies to begin the 2016 season on a sweltering Friday night at Merlo Field. Russell was playing in her first collegiate game, and Griffiths Boston notches her first career game-winner.
 
Russell's goal came in the 19th minute when the deflection of a Portland (1-0-0) cross fell to her feet at the top of the 18. The midfielder took a touch before burying a well-placed, low shot inside the right post to hand the Pilots a 1-0 lead.
 
The lead was short lived as the Huskies (0-1-0) were rewarded with a penalty shot at the other end after the Pilots were called for a foul inside the box. Shannon Simon, who led the Huskies in goals last season, then stepped to the spot and slotted one in to even the score.
 
The game would remain 1-1 until the 65th minute when Griffiths Boston was on the end of a perfect ball sent in by freshman Kimberly Hazlett. Hazlett had possession at the top right corner of the 18-yard box, took a touch toward the end line to create space and whipped in a cross towards the back post. That's where Griffiths Boston finished with half volley into the corner, to beat UW keeper Sarah Shimer.
 
The goal would stand as the Pilot backline, which featured two freshmen and a pair of seniors, did well to force the Huskies to shoot from distance, never seriously threatening the Portland frame.
 
Portland senior goalkeeper Hanna de Haan did finish with five saves on the night, with perhaps none bigger than the stop she made in the 63rd minute. Washington's Kimberly Keever headed a shot from point blank range on a nice cross from the right, but de Haan came through with a quick reaction save. Griffiths Boston's game-winner came only a minute later.
 
Shimer made one stop for the Huskies, and was bailed out by the left post on a shot from Portland's Kaycie Young in the first half.

Next up for the Pilots is a visit from the Portland State Vikings next Friday at Merlo Field. Kickoff for the crosstown rivals is set for 5 p.m., and the game is part of a double header with the UP men who follow with a match against Wright State.

For tickets to all upcoming Portland soccer home games, please visit PortlandPilots.com/Tickets.