Portland scored two goals in the first 13 minutes Sunday, going on to a 2-0 win over Denver to win the NIKE Portland Invitational. The #6 Pilots (5-2-0) won their fifth straight game, and third in as many days after beating #7 Nebraska 4-0 on Saturday, and 2-1 in overtime over CS Fullerton on Friday.
Earlier Sunday, #16 Washington and CS Fullerton played to a 1-1 double overtime tie.
Portland’s Christine Sinclair (offensive) and Lauren Orlandos (defensive) were named tournament Outstanding Players, leading Portland to its first title in its own tourney since 1998, and fifth overall.
#6 PORTLAND 2, DENVER 0: Wanda Rozwadowska’s goal at 7:30 gave Portland some breathing room in their third game in three days, and just over five minutes later, Lindsey Huie’s first career goal put the Pilots comfortably ahead 2-0.
The Pilots played superb possession soccer for the remainder of the game, and goalie Cristin Shea made six pedestrian saves for her second shutout of the season. Portland outshot Denver 8-3 in the first half, 11-8 in the game.
Sinclair, the offensive MVP for the second straight season, nearly put the Pilots ahead in the opening minutes, but the shot clanged off the right post just 5:34 into the game. Sinclair figured in the game-winner two minutes later, though, sending Rozwadowska wide with a leading pass. Rozwadowska scored her second goal in as many days, slotting the ball from nine yards out.
Betsy Barr, playing with a mask after suffering a broken nose Saturday against Nebraska, left a ball at the top of the box for Huie, who also slotted her shot under the Denver keeper.
The Pilots continued to control the contest for the remainder of the game, though Denver attempted several long-range shots in the second half.
#16 WASHINGTON 1, CS FULLERTON 1 (2ot): The Huskies outshot Fullerton 24-5, but could only convert a first-half penalty kick against the Titans. Melissa Bennett knocked in the PK at 14:03 after a Washington player was shoved from behind in the box in the run of play.
Erica Jacalone tied the score at 68:21, heading in a cross that appeared to have been deflected by Washington keeper, Hope Solo.
Washington held a 20-5 shot advantage through regulation - 8-0 in the first half - while Fullerton’s Karen Bardsley made 12 saves to keep the score tied.