PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland men’s soccer team played 110 minutes of scoreless soccer for the second straight game as the Pilots tied the Vermont Catamounts 0-0 on the opening night of the 2006 Nike Invitational at Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex on Friday. The Pilots outshot Vermont 17-10, led by junior Michael Gavin’s (pictured) four shots. Portland moves to 0-0-2 on the season, while the Catamounts sit at 1-0-2.

UP senior keeper Luis Robles made eight saves for his second straight shutout and 19th career shutout. Portland tied third-ranked New Mexico 0-0 last Saturday.

Four minutes into the first overtime, Gavin nearly bagged the win for Portland. Gavin, who started the night at defender and later switched to midfielder, found himself unmarked after receiving a nifty back-heel pass from sophomore forward Alex Elliott, Gavin fired a shot towards the left post that found the chest of Vermont junior goalkeeper Roger Scully, who made the save.

Neither team seriously threatened the frame in the second extra period.

Portland had several opportunities in the second half as the Pilots repeatedly attacked the Vermont goal. On a failed clear by the Catamounts at the 60 minute mark, Gavin sent one towards the goal that was cleared off the line by a defender. UP junior forward Christopher Sanders was there to corral the rebound and attempt a shot, but Scully made the save off Sanders’ foot.

Gavin had another quality look moments later. From the left wing, he rifled a shot towards the near post that a diving Scully got a hand on to force it out of bounds. On the ensuing Portland corner kick, UP freshman defender Logan Emory went high with a header, but again Scully made the save, this time leaping to make the grab.

Vermont countered and received a free kick in the 65th minute. Danny Broughan took a shot from 25 yards out that hit the left post after UP senior goalie Luis Robles dove and just got a hand on it.

The Pilots almost ended it on a shot from Elliott with just more than a minute remaining in regulation. After a nice run from midfield, freshman midfielder Collen Warner fed Elliott on the left wing. Elliott took a couple of touches before ripping a shot towards the far post. A diving Scully was able to knock down the shot and make the save.

Warner had both of Portland’s quality opportunities in the first half. In the 17th minute, Warner ripped the first shot of the game from just inside the box that bounced off the crossbar. Warner had corralled a loose ball that was fed into the box by sophomore defender Bryan Irwin.

In the 28th minute, Warner again had a good look at the goal. Off a nice feed from the right wing by sophomore midfielder Leland Wright, Warner one-touched it towards the net, but Scully was there to make the save on the line drive.

Portland had five corner kicks to Vermont’s three. Seven yellow cards were issued on the night, with four going to the Catamounts and three to Portland.

Earlier today, Washington won the first game of the Nike Invitational 4-1 over Air Force at Merlo Field. Kevin Forest scored a hat-trick, including the game-winner, to lead the Huskies. UW held a 2-1 lead at the half.

The 2006 Nike Invitational concludes with a pair of matches on Sunday. Washington faces Vermont at 12:00 p.m. on September 3, before Portland plays Air Force at 2:30 p.m. A tournament winner, an outstanding offensive player and an outstanding defensive player will be named following the Pilots’ game against the Falcons.