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PORTLAND, Ore. --- After a goal from Portland sophomore Parkes Kendrick leveled the score in the second half, Washington's Amanda Perez headed in the game-winner in the 80th minute to hand the Huskies a 3-2 victory over the Pilots in a non-conference women's soccer game played at Merlo Field on Sunday afternoon. After the Perez goal, the Pilots (3-5-2) pressed for the equalizer, but Washington (7-3-0) would escape with the win.
 
Allison Wetherington had given the Pilots an early 1-0 lead with Portland's first shot of the game in the 24th minute. The play was set up when Rebekah Kurle and Ellie Boon combined near the left edge of the 18-yard box before Boon sent a pass to Wetherington. The sophomore midfielder then took a touch before burying a shot inside the right corner of the net from 18 yards out.
 
It's the first goal of the season for Wetherington.
 
The lead, however, was short-lived as the Huskies were gifted a PK only three minutes later after a collision in the box. The head referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot, and Washington's Kate Bennett converted the free attempt to even the score at 1-1.
 
And then in the 38th minute the Huskies caught a break when Bennett sent in a dangerous ball that somehow made it all the way through heavy traffic and into the left corner of the net from 25 yards out. Bennett's third goal of the year allowed UW to take a 2-1 lead into the locker room at the half.
 
The Pilots re-grouped and tied the score only three minutes into the second half. After a turnover at the halfway lined caused by Kendrick, Danica Evans slotted a pass to Kendrick, who stay composed and finished with a shot that glanced off Washington keeper Megan Kufeld before going in.
 
It's the second goal of the year for Kendrick and Evans registers her second assist.
 
Portland then controlled the run of play for the next 20 minutes or so before the Huskies countered by increasing their pressure on the final third, searching for that go-ahead goal. And they found it when Perez elevated in the center of the box and deposited the perfectly-placed header inside the left post. Bennett notches the assist after sending in a well-hit corner kick.
 
The Pilots next open play in the West Coast Conference on Friday night at Merlo Field when Pacific visits The Bluff. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.