Box Score

MORAGA, Calif. --- The Saint Mary’s Gaels scored once in the first half and added a goal after the break en route to a 2-0 win over the Portland Pilots in a West Coast Conference men’s soccer game at Saint Mary’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The loss is the first for the Pilots since Oct. 10.

 

Portland, which entered the game sitting in first place in the WCC, drops to 8-3-5 overall on the year and to 5-2-2 in the conference. SMC improves to 9-5-1 and to 5-3-0 in the WCC.

 

The Gaels began the scoring early when Erik Rivas found the back of the net during the third minute. Rivas was able to finish on a deflected cross from Patrick Watson for his first goal of the season, which gave Saint Mary’s the early 1-nil advantage.

 

Then with the Pilots still trailing 1-0 ten minutes into the second half, the Gaels capitalized once again to make it a two-goal deficit. This time it was Malcom Alugas who was able to finish with a header from six yards out on a touch pass from Grider. It’s the first goal of the season for Alugas.

 

Saint Mary’s was able to hold on from there, with keeper Doug Herrick coming up with saves on shots from Connor Barbaree and Colin Anderson in the 66th and 89th minutes, respectively.

 

It’s the seventh shutout this season for the Gaels, which ties a program record set last season. Portland senior keeper Austin Guerrero matched Herrick with six saves on the afternoon, while the Gaels outshot the Pilots 20-12.

 

The Pilots next return home for their final two regular season games at Merlo Field. First on Friday night, the LMU Lions visit for a game that could help in determining the league champion. LMU entered Sunday just a point behind UP in the league standings. Kick off between the Lions and Pilots is set for 7:00 p.m.

 

Then on Sunday, Portland will celebrate senior day by hosting San Diego at 1:00 p.m. at Merlo Field. Kick off was moved up from its original time of 2:30 to accommodate the Toreros’ travel plans.