PORTLAND, Ore.- On a cold, wet and windy Northwest day, the University of Portland women’s soccer team found their stride and sent Nebraska (13-8-1) home with a 4-1 defeat at Merlo Field. Lindsey Huie notched her second goal through the first two rounds of the NCAA College Cup, while three other Pilots netted goals in the win. Portland (18-3-1) now looks ahead to next Sunday’s much-anticipated third-round match with conference rival Santa Clara, in a rematch of last year’s College Cup Championship. The teams have won the last two NCAA Championships with SCU taking the 2001 title, and Portland winning the school’s first NCAA Championship last season in double overtime.

In heavy rain on Sunday, the Pilots had the first half benefit of going with the wind on offense and took advantage with two goals. Several of Nebraska goalkeeper Katie Wright’s goal kicks seemed to hit a wall in the air and fall straight down as the Huskers faced a stiff headwind.

Huie gave Portland the lead in the 21st minute after several early Pilot opportunities went for naught. Pilot junior Jessica Heller headed a cleared ball from Nebraska to Portland freshman Angie Woznuk inside the left of the penalty box. Woznuk skipped a low cross between two Husker defenders to Huie at the top of the goal box. Huie’s first shot was blocked, but she gathered the rebound and sent a shot to the upper left of the goal for her 12th strike of the season.

In the 43rd minute, Pilot senior Wanda Rozwadowska netted a seven yard goal, top-shelf after a great individual effort from Kristen Rogers set up the score. Rogers took two Huskers to the right endline before falling inside the box. Rogers gathered herself, maintained possession and sent a short cross to Rozwadowska for the finish. The teams went into the half amidst a downpour of rain. The wind ironically calmed for the final 45 minutes, diffusing the advantage Nebraska was awaiting coming out after the break.

“The climate was unbelievable,” said Nebraska head coach John Walker. “It was strange how the wind was gone in the second half. It seems like it was 25 miles-per-hour in the first half, knocking down all of our goalie’s kicks, but suddenly disappeared.”

When asked about the abrupt weather change, Pilot head coach Garrett Smith remarked, “I’m telling you, Clive’s around here somewhere,” referring to former Portland coaching great Clive Charles who passed away prior to the 2003 season.

The weather conditions had little to do with the outcome as Portland dominated both halves in terms of possession and scoring chances. The Pilots outshot the Huskers 20-8 for the match and put 11 shots on goal. Portland’s two second half strikes capped a well-played afternoon.

Defender Kristen Moore made a patented run down the left flank and was set up by freshman Lisa Sari for Portland’s third goal in the 60th minute. Moore rocketed a shot to the upper right corner from 30 yards out as Wiley didn’t have a chance at stopping the perfectly placed goal. Sari made a similar run in the 72nd minute. After receiving the ball at midfield, Sari streaked past the Husker left-back, crossed up another Nebraska defender, then blasted an 18-yarder that grazed the near post and went in. It was Sari’s fourth goal of the season.

The Pilot veterans were quick to praise the underclassmen for their contributions after the match. “Our freshmen are just downright tremendous,” Huie reflected. “I think they’ve gone beyond what anybody thought they could do this year.”

“I don’t think we’d be where we are if it weren’t for the freshman,” Moore said.

Smith was proud to see 988 loyal Pilot fans come out despite the ugly weather. “It’s great to be at home and great to see the fans out there. To see our team perform the way they did at Merlo Field in the playoff was awesome.”

The shutout was spoiled by an 81st minute goal by Brittany Timko. Timko rifled a shot from just outside the right corner of the penalty box directed straight at Pilot keeper Cori Alexander. Freshman defender Stephanie Lopez stuck her foot out, attempting to stop the shot, but redirected it to the left post for the score.

Rozwadowska and Woznuk each had five shots for Portland, while Sari put both of her shots on goal. Huie was again an attacking force with four shots. Timko and Vern Fitzgerald led the Huskers with two attempts each. Wright sent back seven Pilot shots between the pipes for Nebraska, while Alexander made two saves for Portland.

With the stage set for a thrilling third round match with Santa Clara, the Pilots eagerly await the opportunity. “I wouldn’t rather play any other team,” stated Moore when asked about the rematch. “It’s always a good rivalry for us no matter what the stakes are, but we want some payback.”

Portland and Santa Clara square-off on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Merlo Field. The Bronco’s beat the Pilots, 2-1 in double overtime earlier this season at Buck Shaw Stadium. The two WCC powers have made the NCAA Final Four a combined 16 times, but only one will get that opportunity this year.