Box Score
SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Portland Pilots scored twice in the first half before holding on for a big 2-1 road win against the Washington Huskies on Thursday night at Husky Soccer Field. The Pilots win their second in a row behind goals from freshman Keith Grubisich and sophomore Michael Nielsen.
The Pilots run their record to 3-1-1 on the season, while UW drops to 2-3-0.
Grubisich started the scoring in impressive fashion with a strike in the 20th minute. The freshman gained possession in the UW half and took a shot from long range. The ball was slightly deflected before settling into the top shelf just out of the keeper’s reach. Grubisich’s first career strike gave the Pilots a 1-nil lead.
Three minutes later, Portland took control of the match with another strike, this one courtesy Nielsen. On a corner kick from junior Vlastimir Davidovic, an unmarked Nielsen headed a ball towards the far post. Goalkeeper Rylan Hawkins made the initial save but was unable to hold onto the ball, allowing the composed Nielsen to head in the rebound. Nielsen’s second strike of the season allowed Portland to enter the locker room with a 2-0 lead.
After being outshot 8-3 in the first half, the Huskies came out with aggression during the second stanza. UW finally found the mark with its first goal of the match in the 51st minute. Brent Richards roofed a shot on a cross that pulled Washington within 2-1. Ryan Moore picked up the assist after sending it into the mixer from the right flank.
With 22:30 showing on the clock, the Huskies nearly equalized on a corner kick. Casey McCool got a good look with a solid shot from in front of the frame, but junior goalkeeper Austin Guerrero came up with a huge one-handed save, deflecting the ball off of the left post. The Pilots then cleared the ball, ending the danger.
The Huskies finished with a 15-10 edge in shots. Guerrero made four saves, while Hawkins finished with three.
The Pilots next return to the Emerald City for the Husky Fever Classic next weekend. UP is slated to face Cal Poly on Friday, Sept. 25, before taking on Creighton on Sunday at Husky Soccer Field.
