The first multiple-goal game of Eric Cronkrite’s career lifted #12 Portland to a 3-2 win Saturday over #16 Creighton. Cronkrite’s goal in the 49th minute was the game-winner.

The two teams played to a 2-2 halftime stalemate, and after Cronkrite’s goal early in the second half, Portland (5-2-0) withstood numerous Creighton counter-attacks.

After Creighton (5-2-0) took a 1-0 lead just 3:03 into the match on Luiz Del Monte’s unassisted goal, Sean Babcock delivered Cronkrite a perfect ball ahead into the box. Cronkrite’s bullet to the upper right from an extreme angle knotted the score.

The Pilots took a 2-1 lead at 28:51 on a world-class bit of passing. Mario Picarelli’s throw-in to the box fell to the feet of Nate Jaqua, who flicked the ball over his right shoulder, and Sheldin Maistry cleaned up with a far post header.

Preseason all-America forward Mike Tranchilla answered for Creighton 10 minutes later when he lost three Pilot defenders to the right of the goal, before sending a low far post bullet past Portland keeper Curtis Spiteri.

The Portland game-winner - just 3:44 into the second half - was started by a Jaqua pass which sent Jarrod Weis near the end line. Weis one-timed a bending cross, finding Cronkrite for an untouchable header.

Portland outshot Creighton just 11-10, though the Bluejays had seven corners. The two teams combined for 41 fouls - 27 on Portland - and three cautions were handed out.