Current assistant coach and former All-America defender Lauren Orlandos-Hanson was among a group of 19 UP alumni took to the Merlo Field pitch against today’s stars

PORTLAND, Ore. --- The University of Portland women’s soccer team kicked of its spring schedule playing against some familiar faces, squaring off against an alumni team that featured some of UP’s all-time great players. The two teams tied 1-1 on a cold and wet Saturday night at Merlo Field, with Rachael Rapinoe scoring for the Pilots and Christine Sinclair (’06) finding the net for the Alumni.

With a team that featured four M.A.C./Herman Trophy Finalists and six All-Americans, the Alumni proved to be a difficult opponent for the Pilots and jumped to a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute when Sinclair fired a bullet from the left side of the box past a diving Kelsey Davis. Sinclair’s first shot attempt after receiving a ball from Erin Misaki (’03) was blocked by Portland defender Megan Sweeney, but Sinclair recovered the loose ball and quickly deposited it into the back of the net.

Rachael Rapinoe scored the equalizer for the Pilots in the 37th minute, collecting a perfect through ball from Natalie Budge and blasting a scorching shot past Alumni keeper Angela Harrison (’00).

With the score tied 1-1 at halftime, the teams played to an even draw in the second half with neither team able to capitalize on good opportunities. Both teams had five shots in the second frame; for the game, the Pilots outshot the Alumni 9-8.

The Pilots had the first good chance of the half, with midfielder Sophie Schmidt finding Budge in the box, but the alumni defense was there to clear it away.

Sinclair nearly scored the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute, getting past the Pilot backline and Davis after taking a pass from Kylee Barton (’01). Sinclair sent what appeared to be a sure goal towards the net, but Portland’s All-American defender and current U.S. National Team member Stephanie Lopez was make a spectacular diving save, sliding in front of the ball and knocking it over the endline.

Jessica Heller (’05) had two good chances in the second half, both times receiving a ball from a heavily-defended Sinclair, but Davis was there to snuff the threats.

With just under five minutes remaining, Janelle Jacka almost put the Pilots ahead after ripping a shot from the left side of the penalty area, but the ball went just wide of the goal.

In total, 19 former Pilots appeared for the alumni team, including (in order of graduation year): Cindy Griffith (’94), Tiffeny Milbrett (’95), Michelle French (’99), Angela Harrison (’00), Kylee Barton (’01), Brooke O’Hanley (’02), Betsy Barr (’03), Valerie Fletcher (’03), Erin Misaki (’03), Lauren Orlandos-Hanson (’03), Emily Patterson (’03), Jessica Heller (’05), Kelsy Hollenbeck (’06), Colleen Salisbury (’06), Christine Sinclair (’06), Cori Alexander (’07), Kari Evans (’07), Elsa Hume (’07) and Lisa Sari (’07).

Fans still have one more chance this spring to see the Christine Sinclair and the Pilots at Merlo Field as Portland takes on the Canadian National Team on Friday, April 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.