LAS VEGAS, Nev. - UC Santa Barbara’s Chris Pontius came off the bench to record his second goal of the season and lead the No. 13 Gauchos to a 1-0 victory over Portland Sunday afternoon. The Pilots drop to 1-2-1 on the season after losing both games at the UNLV Classic this weekend. The host Rebels defeated the Pilots 2-1 on Friday night.

Pontius put UCSB (2-1-1) on the board at 72:57, putting away a cross from Andy Iro for the game-winner.

The Gauchos out-shot the Pilots 15-6, including an 11-3 edge after halftime. UCSB had four corner kicks to Portland’s one. UP keeper Luis Robles made five saves on the day, while UCSB goalie Kyle Reynish stopped three shots.

The Pilots had five freshmen see significant time on the field, as Alex Elliott started and Drew Chrostek, Patrick Juurney, Brayton Knapp and Bryan Irwin all came off the bench. Irwin was the lone Pilot with multiple shot attempts. The Pilots had chances to equalize late in regulation, most notably Patrick Mooney’s attempt which was smothered by Reynish in the 88th minute.

Fans will next get to see the Pilots at Merlo Field on Saturday, Sept. 17 in an exhibition match against Portland alumni at 2 p.m. Portland will get a long layoff from regular season action, next taking the pitch in Seattle for the Husky Fever Classic on Sept. 23-25. The Pilots will face Hartwick College on Friday, Sept. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and then play Wisconsin on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.