SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Huskies scored on a PK in the first minute, Sam Kokoska scored a stellar goal from distance just before the half and No. 25 Washington overcame constant heavy pressure by the Portland Pilots throughout the second half to prevail 2-1 on Thursday night at Husky Soccer Field. Alyssa Edenstrom scored Portland's (2-6-0) goal in the 16th minute and the Pilots consistently put together quality possession during the second 45 minutes, but in the end the Huskies (7-1-1) were able to escape with the win.
 
It was a bit of an unlucky start for the Pilots as the Huskies were awarded a PK just 26 seconds into the match. After the head referee called a foul on Portland inside the 18-yard box, Washington's Shannon Simon stepped to the spot and hit one into the left corner of the net. Simon's fifth goal of the year gave the Huskies an early lead.
 
Portland responded by controlling possession and creating a few opportunities. And then in the 16th minute, Allison Wetherington sent a perfect ball towards the center of the box on a corner kick. Edenstrom, UP's six-foot tall defender elevated and headed in the equalizer, leveling the score 1-1. It's Edenstom's first goal of the year, while Wetherington tallies her second assist.
 
From there both sides traded possession and Portland freshman goalkeeper Rachel Lusby made a solid save in the 38th minute. UW sent in a ball from the right wing and Kimberly Keever tried to sneak one inside the right post with a re-direct. But Lusby came through with a diving stop to keep the score tied.
 
It remained tied until a loose ball fell to the feet of Kokoska 25 yards out, and the UW freshman drilled a shot that hit the left post before settling in the right corner of the net with only 80 seconds remaining in the half. The first-time finish allowed the Huskies to take a 2-1 lead into the locker room.
 
The second half was all Portland as the Pilots attacked the UW half of the field. Noelle La Prevotte had some good chances, and Washington goalkeeper Megan Kufeld came through with a clutch save on a shot by Wetherington in the 77th minute.
 
And then as the clock ticked down, Portland's Devlyn Jeter nearly found the back of the net. But her shot from 10 yards out was wide, the Huskies would hold on from there.
 
Lusby finished the night with four saves, while Kufeld countered with two.
 
Portland next heads home to host the Washington State Cougars on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff at Merlo Field for the Pilots and Cougars is set for 1 p.m.