PORTLAND, Ore. --- After falling behind early, the Pilots equalized in the 15th minute, but Brigham Young's Nadia Gomes scored what would prove to be the game-winner just before the half as the No. 6 Cougars escaped Merlo Field with a 2-1 win over the Pilots in a West Coast Conference women's soccer game played on Saturday night. It's Gomes' fourth goal of the year.
 
After Portland (4-8-0, 0-2-0 WCC) controlled possession during the opening minutes, BYU (10-1-1, 2-0-0 WCC) found the back of the net first when Elena Medeiros connected on a world-class goal in the eighth minute. The junior midfielder chested down a Portland clearance 25 yards out before hitting a dipping shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Rachel Lusby and into the right corner of the net.
 
The Pilots responded, and in the 15th minute Ariel Viera got to the end line with possession before hitting a low cross towards the center of the box. That's where the ball took a deflection off a BYU defender's leg and settled into the back of the net to level the score.
 
In the 40th minute, Noelle La Prevotte nearly gave the Pilots a lead after a deft touch allowed the senior forward to find some space. And then from the top of the box, La Prevotte hit one towards the left post that was just wide.
 
Gomes' go-ahead strike came after Portland defender Haylee DeGrood blocked the forward's initial shot. But Gomes did well to get to the loose ball and bury a shot inside the right post with a first-time finish.
 
Portland nearly had the answer moments later when Allison Wetherington sent a free kick towards the top of the box. That's where Cecilia Pedersen hit a volley, looking for the left side of the frame, but the stellar strike was wide.
 
Portland did well to defend during the second half and the Pilots created a handful of opportunities, but were ultimately unable to find that final touch.
 
BYU keeper Rachel Boaz made a brilliant save in 63rd minute to preserve the slim lead. Wetherington cracked a shot from distance, and the keeper barely got a touch on it to deflect high of the cross bar.
 
Next up for the Pilots is a trip to Northern California where they'll face Saint Mary's and Pacific. First is a game with the Gaels in Moraga on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. Sunday brings a 1 p.m. match with the Tigers in Stockton.