PORTLAND, Ore.- Kristen Graczyk’s unassisted goal with 52 seconds remaining in the second overtime gave the Connecticut Huskies a come-from-behind, 3-2 victory over the Portland Pilots in the final game of the NIKE Invitational. Portland drops to 4-2-0 overall, while UConn improves to 3-0-2. Pilot sophomore Lindsey Huie was the tournament’s offensive MVP, while UConn’s Nikki Cross took the invite’s defensive MVP award. Washington won the Invitational title based on goal differential after defeating Cal State Fullerton, 3-0 in the early game.

Graczyk, who scored her first goal of the season earlier in the game, outran the Pilot defense, running on a deep pass after a Pilot threat at the other end of the field. Graczynk split the two defenders, set herself at the top of the box and looped a shot under the crossbar and out of the reach of Pilot keeper Cori Alexander to tally the game-winner.

Pilot coach Garrett Smith has started at least six freshman in every game so far this season and was pleased with the team’s effort. “I’m proud of our team, I think it was a great overtime game and it was a phenomenal effort for our young team.”

The game seemed to be under Pilot control early, as Portland notched the first score in the fourth minute on a perfectly placed score from junior Kristen Moore. From just inside the penalty box on the right side, Moore bent a shot into the top right section of the goal giving Portland the 1-0 lead.

The Pilots kept the pace of the game in their favor rattling off five shots before the Huskies first attempt. Once UConn settled down, the half ended on a much more even note despite the Pilots holding an 8-2 shot advantage.

Portland went ahead 2-0 in the 61st minute when senior Wanda Rozwadowska took a long lead pass from Huie and slid a shot past committed Husky keeper Erin Rice. It was Rozwadowska’s second goal of the season and seventh of her career.

UConn answered quickly though, tying the game with two goals in the next five minutes. Graczyk scored her first goal at 61:55 as she broke free into the box on the right side. A sharp angled shot banged off the left post and hugged the goal line, crossing just before the Pilot defense could clear the ball.

Three minutes later, Graczyk sent a lead pass to Jessica Gjertsen who was taken down in the penalty box by a Pilot defender. It was one of only seven foul calls on the Pilots for the day, but it proved to be costly as Meghan Schnur capitalized on the penalty kick, tying the game at two.

In the 72nd minute, UConn nearly grabbed the lead as Schnur sent a free kick towards the top right of the goal. Pilot keeper Cori Alexander extended and punched the shot over the crossbar for the save.

Portland held a 7-3 shot advantage in the extra periods, but the Huskies had the better opportunities playing good possession soccer and getting their forwards the ball in dangerous positions. With under three minutes left in the first overtime, Gjertsen had a good look, but her shot was blocked by Pilot defender Imani Dorsey and the ball was eventually cleared.

Lisa Sari had the best chance to end the game for Portland in the second overtime period. Rozwadowska stole a pass from the UConn defense and set up Sari at the top of the box. Sari settled, and rifled a shot that passed inches over the crossbar. The Pilots rang off three more unanswered shots before Graczyk ran down the game-winner at the end.

“I’m excited about the progress we are making,” said Rozwadowska. “We’re getting better every game and our younger players have great attitudes and are coming along very well.”

“It shows how tough our younger players are to be able to play at such a high level in back-to-back games,” added Smith. “That’s huge for us, and we expect to learn from games like these and continue to improve as the season progresses.”

UP NEXT: Portland heads north to the Husky Classic in Seattle, Wash. The Pilots play Texas on Fri., Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. then battle Fresno State on Sun., Sept. 21 beginning at 11:00 a.m.