Box Score
SPOKANE, Wash. --- Megan Rapinoe scored early and Sophie Schmidt added two more goals to lead the No. 3 Portland Pilots a 4-0 win over Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference opener for both schools Sunday afternoon at Gonzaga Soccer Field. Portland extends its winning streak to 10 games, while the Bulldogs drop to 0-2 this year against ranked opponents.
The Pilots (11-1-0, 1-0 WCC) had their international-level players step up, as head coach Garrett Smith did not start his trio of USA Under-20 National Team players that will not be available for the 2008 playoffs. Michelle Enyeart, Keelin Winters and Elli Reed all came off the bench in the second half to play limited minutes, but it was Rapinoe, who has played with the USA National Team, and Canadian National Teamer Sophie Schmidt that led Portland to victory on Sunday.
Rapinoe scored in the 12th minute on an unassisted strike from 12 yards for her second goal of the 2008 season.
Schmidt doubled the score in the 16th minute with her third goal of the season, this one coming off a free kick from 20 yards.
The duo teamed up for Portland’s third goal in the 48th minute. Rapinoe sprung Schmidt with a perfect through ball and Schmidt expertly finished to the right post past the oncoming goalkeeper.
Junior striker Janelle Jacka capped the scoring with her second goal of the season in the 88th. Sophomore Kristen Kelly tallied her first career assist on the goal.
Smith continued to experiment with different lineups in anticipation of missing his three U-20 stars down the road. A total of 17 field players took the pitch for the Pilots, who outshot the Zags (5-7-2, 0-1) by a 20-6 margin.
Pilot junior goalkeeper Kelsey Davis made two saves in recording her ninth shutout of the season.
Portland will continue conference play at home next weekend by hosting Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine. The Pilots and Lions meet on Friday at 7 p.m., following the UP men against Seattle at 4:30 p.m. The Waves come to Merlo Field on Sunday at noon followed by the UP men against Saint Mary’s at 2:30 p.m.
