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SEATTLE, Wash. --- The No. 15 Wisconsin Badgers scored three first-half goals and overcame heavy pressure from the Portland Pilots in the second half to claim a 3-0 win at the Husky Nike Invitational at Husky Soccer Field on Sunday morning. The Pilots, who did well to limit Wisconsin's opportunities in the second half while creating some quality chances, drop to 2-3-0 on the year.
 
The match began with the Badgers (6-0-0) continuously attacking the final third and it was Cara Walls who found the back of the net with the game's first goal in the 10th minute. Walls received a pass from Kodee Williams, took a couple of touches, and buried a shot into the left corner of the net from 12 yards out.
 
Wisconsin was then gifted a goal when the Badgers were awarded a penalty shot in the 26th minute. Portland freshman goalkeeper Taylor Luty guessed right and did appear to get a touch on the PK, but the ball from Kinley McNicoll still ended up in the back of the net to make it a two-goal lead.
 
And then in the 37th minute, it was an unlucky moment for the Pilots when the ball landed at the feet of Wisconsin's Marisa Kresge after a deflection just in front of the Portland goal. Kresge easily finished into the top of the net to give the Badgers a 3-0 lead at the half.
 
The Pilots refused to falter and looked to climb back into the game in the second half, forcing Wisconsin goalkeeper Genevieve Richard to make a handful of saves. Rebekah Kurle had Portland's first shot after the break, which was corralled by Richard.
 
In the 62nd minute, Danica Evans had perhaps Portland's best attempt on the afternoon. From the top of the box, she drove a well-hit ball towards the left post, but Richard made a tough diving save
 
Moments later Devlyn Jeter put a header on target on a ball sent in by Ariel Viera, but again Richard was there. Kurle then made a nice run and Allison Wetherington found her with a pass, but the shot from a tough angle was denied.
 
Luty finished with five saves for Portland, while Richard had four, all in the second half.
 
The Pilots return home next weekend to host the 2014 Nike Invitational at Merlo Field, which will feature Miami, San Diego State and Washington. Portland will host Miami at 7 p.m. on Friday before facing San Diego State at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be part of a double header with UW.