Box Score
CORVALLIS, Ore. --- Connor Barbaree scored a goal in the first half and Michael Nielsen added one in the second as the Portland Pilots held off the Oregon State Beavers 2-1 in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night at Lorenz Field. Nielsen’s goal proved to be the game-winner after OSU’s Will Seymore found the back of the net in the 68th minute.
Barbaree’s first goal of the season came in the eighth minute for the Pilots, who open 2011 with a 1-0-0 record. After the ball ended up at the feet of the senior forward, Barbaree blasted a shot into the net from the top left corner of the 18-yard box. The goal, which was assisted by junior Joe Sleven, gave Portland an early lead of 1-0, which would stand for the next 49 minutes.
That’s when Nielsen, a junior midfielder, took advantage of a miscue by the Oregon State (0-1-0) goalkeeper to finish in a wide open net in the 57th minute. Keeper Steve Spangler missed on his attempt to cut off a pass from freshman Derek Boggs, who was credited with his first career assist.
The 2-0 lead stood until Seymore was able to score 17 minutes later. But it wasn’t enough as the Pilots and sophomore goalkeeper Justin Baarts would hold on for the win.
Portland, which finished with 12 shots on the night, played with a man advantage during the final 10 minutes after Seymore was shown his second yellow card of the match.
OSU totaled 16 shots and held an 8-2 edge in corner kicks. The referee was active as the Beavs were whistled for 15 fouls, while the Pilots committed 14.
Baarts finished with four clutch saves, and Spangler countered with three.
The Pilots next return home to host the Nike Invitational next weekend at Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex. On Friday, Washington battles Loyola Chicago at 4:30 p.m. before the Pilots face Florida Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. UP then plays Loyola on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and UW takes on Florida Gulf Coast at 12 p.m.
