LOS ANGELES, Calif.- The University of Portland women’s soccer team won their 12th consecutive match in an unorthodox fashion. The Pilots, who have been scoring early and often as of late, struggled to find the net until Loyola Marymount’s own goal in the 75th minute, which proved to be the only score in the match. Portland (16-2-0, 5-0 WCC) remains perfect in conference play and continue to build on a great season, while Loyola Marymount (7-7-3, 0-5 WCC) is heading the opposite direction after their fifth straight loss.

Portland had a tough afternoon, especially in the first period, when they out-shot LMU 5-0, but could not get into any sort of flow against the defensive-minded Lions. The Pilots forced LMU keeper Corey Yukihiro to make two saves in the first half, as the Portland defense clamped down on the passive Lion offensive.

“It was a very frustrating game for us,” said Pilot head coach Garrett Smith. “They packed it in on defense throughout, especially in the first half. The second half played out better fortunately and we were able to get some more opportunities.”

The Pilots had nine shots in the second stanza, putting seven of them on goal. LMU sent eight shots at Pilot freshman keeper Cori Alexander, forcing her to make three saves in recording her 10th shutout of the season.

Portland’s continual pressure throughout the second half eventually paid off. Pilot junior Kristen Rogers sent a cross over to freshman Jennifer Tuttle near the right post. The ball sailed just over Tuttle’s head, into a Lion defender and past Yukihiro for the own goal. Portland had several good chances prior to the score, rattling off four shots in the previous seven minutes.

Sophomore Lindsey Huie and senior Wanda Rozwadowska each had three shots for Portland, while Tuttle and Rogers had two shots on goal each. Junior defender Kristen Moore continued make her presence felt offensively with two shots, while freshman Angie Woznuk accounted for the other two Pilot attempts.

The Pilots had a 2-0 corner advantage and only had four fouls for the entire match. Laura Trask had three shots for LMU, who put three of their eight total shots on frame.

Portland freshman Kari Evans missed her third straight match in a precautionary measure after suffering a mild concussion in practice last week.

“It wasn’t a pretty goal and it was an ugly game, but we came out ahead,” noted Smith. “We’ll take every ugly win we can get. With our final two conference games conference games coming up, we have our hands full, but we’ll be ready for both Santa Clara and San Diego.”

NEXT UP: The Pilots prepare for a rematch of last season’s College Cup Final, as Portland meets Santa Clara at Buck Shaw Stadium on Sun., Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. Portland closes out regular season play at home against San Diego on Sat., Nov. 8.