SEATTLE, Wash.- Portland senior Wanda Rozwadowska’s rebound goal in the 33rd minute was the game-winner as the Portland defense shutout sixth ranked Washington, 1-0 at Husky Soccer Field. The No. 8 Pilots earned their third straight winand improved to 7-2-0, the Huskies fall to 5-2-2 with the loss. Portland improves their record at Washington to 4-0-1 since the 1991 season with the victory.
Shortly after freshman Jennifer Tuttle entered the game in the first half, she once again provided the depleted offense with a spark. Tuttle took the ball to the endline and whipped a cross to the far post. Fellow freshman Lisa Sari got a foot on the ball and nearly netted her fourth goal of the season before Husky keeper Lisa Brookens made a diving stop. Rozwadowska drilled home the rebound to an open net from five yards out for her team-best fourth strike of the season.
“This was a good day for the Pilots,” said coach Garrett Smith, who watched the men’s team beat No. 11 South Carolina, 2-0 in the preceding game. “To come up with the result we did today without three key players is huge.”
Portland has been without 2002 Player of the Year Christine Sinclair as she competes with the Canadian World Cup Team. The Pilots were also without all-American midfielder Lindsey Huie and prized freshman Angie Woznuk, both out with injuries.
The Portland defense was once again brilliant, recording their seventh shutout of the season. The backline of Imani Dorsey, Kristen Moore, Stephanie Lopez and Kelsy Hollenbeck met every Husky threat head on. Pilot junior Kristen Rogers shifted to the midfield in place of Huie and had a stellar performance. Freshman keeper Cori Alexander made four saves to preserve the win and recorded her seventh shutout in last eight games.
“Cori was phenomenal in goal,” said Smith. “Kelsy came in and played excellent as the right-back, and our defense didn’t give them many chances at all.”
Washington outshot Portland 13-6 and had four shots on goal to the Pilots’ three. Corner kicks were 3-3. Portland was held without a shot in the second period, but clamped down on defense, not giving anything up.
“They are showing great maturity,” said Smith of his young squad. “They looked like the Pilots of old out there today.”
UP NEXT: The Pilots return to Seattle, Wash. for a match-up with northwest rival Washington on Fri., Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m., then return home for Sat., Sept. 27 game against Pacific (CA) beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Merlo Field.
