PORTLAND, Ore.- The University of Portland men’s soccer team took on the alumni squad in a battle of the past versus the present at Merlo Field on Saturday. The match went to overtime and Darren Sawatzky (1991-94) put in the golden goal in the 92nd minute, allowing the former Pilots to head to the sanctuary and care of the Pilot training room without too much pain and a little bit of an ego boost.

The game was originally scheduled for just 90 minutes without overtime periods, but the alumni connived their way into playing an extra five minutes and took full advantage. Sawatzky was led by Joe Leonetti (1988-91) into the box and created enough space to rifle a shot to the lower left for the game-winner.

Many former Pilot greats were on hand for the match including some of the UP career scoring leaders. Scott Benedetti (1985-88), Leonetti, Mark Miller (1981-84) and Jimmy Clarke (1990-93) all are currently in the top 10 on the career points list, while Rob Baarts (1987-90), Andrew Gregor (1994-97), Miguel Luna (1997-00) and Brian Casola (1995-98) also place among the career leaders in various other categories.

Six members of the alumni team played with either the 1988 or 1995 teams that advanced to the NCAA Final Four.

The current Pilots played a lot of new faces and were out-shot by the alumni 13-10. Sawatzky and Luna each had three shots, while Pilot sophomore Patrick Mooney led the 2003 team with four shots.

Although a fun environment, neither team gave-in as was evident by the low shot totals and some physical play. Scott Sagar (1990-93) upheld his aggressive image throughout the match and was dealt a yellow card for a hard tackle in the 58th minute. After announcing the card over the loud speakers with a preemptive “to nobody’s surprise”, Sagar gave a smile and friendly wave to the amused crowd.

UP NEXT: The Pilots return to WCC action on Sat., Oct 25 at Santa Clara, the game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.