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RALEIGH, N.C. --- Danica Evans scored twice and Portland goalkeeper Hanna de Haan and the backline were solid as the No. 11 Pilots defeated the North Carolina State Wolfpack 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Dail Soccer Field. It's the first two goals of the season for Evans, a sophomore forward/midfielder, as the Pilots (1-1) split their season-opening road trip.
 
After a scoreless first half, the Pilots applied some heavy pressure early in the second half and were able to get deep into NC State territory to create some dangerous looks. And then in the 52nd minute, the Pilots were finally able to find the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead.
 
Evans took a feed from Rebekah Kurle with her back to the goal, was able to fight off a defender, turn and finish into the top of the net for goal number one on the season. Both Kurle and Kaycie Young earned assists after the pair combined to set up the play on the left flank.
 
Moments later it was Evans again, this time finishing with a diving header on a perfect cross from Parkes Kendrick. Ariel Viera was able to connect with Kendrick inside the right edge of the 18-yard box, which allowed Kendrick to drive a ball towards the near post. That's where Evans found the back of the net in impressive fashion to give the Pilots a cozy 2-0 lead with less than 30 minutes remaining.
 
The Pilots continued to create opportunities from there, but the Wolfpack (1-1) cut the lead in half when Kayla Saager scored a nice goal in the 82nd minute. Bittany Stanko sent a ball forward and Saager took a couple of touches before driving a shot into the left corner of the net from 16 yards out.
 
There were then some nervous moments in the final minutes for the Pilots, but de Haan and the UP defense held strong to pick up the big-time road win against an ACC opponent.
 
Portland controlled possession throughout the first half and did get a couple of chances. Ellie Boon dragged a shot wide in the 16th minute, and Evans had the game's best look to that point in the 43rd minute. On a quick re-start from just outside the top of the 18, Evans got a clean look at a strike and tried to hit one inside the left post. But NC State keeper Mackenzie Strelljes was able to just get her finger tips on the shot to direct it wide.
 
The Pilots couldn't get a shot off on the ensuing corner kick, but did enter the locker room at half with a 7-4 edge in shots. Portland finished with a 13-11 advantage in overall shots, and de Haan claimed a pair of saves. Her NC State counterpart made three stops on the afternoon.
 
The Pilots next return to Portland for the home opener against No. 6 Stanford on Saturday night. Kickoff at Merlo Field between the Pilots and Cardinal is set for 7 p.m.