PORTLAND, Ore. --- Rey Ortiz netted the game-winner and Paul Christensen collects his sixth shutout of the year as the Portland Pilots blanked the Gonzaga Bulldogs 1-0 on a cool, wet, and breezy Saturday night at Merlo Field. The game was the last regular season contest at home for the Pilots, who honored their seniors with a pre-match ceremony.
 
The win propels Portland (9-6-1, 4-1-1 WCC) back to the top of the WCC table, as they re-claim first place with 13 points. Portland sits just ahead of San Francisco with 12 points and Pacific with 10 points. The Pilots have one game remaining, while the Dons and Tigers both have two.
 
Portland's goal against Gonzaga (6-6-2, 0-5-1 WCC) was on a spectacular finish by Ortiz in the 35th minute. Erik Edwardson and Spencer Myers set up the goal with a 1-2 left of the 18-yard box, and Myers whipped in a cross towards the penalty spot. That's where Ortiz buried it into the left corner of the net with a side volley. His fifth goal of the year handed the home side a 1-0 lead, and both Myers and Edwardson claimed the assist.
 
Portland dominated possession during the first half, and the Bulldogs didn't get their first shot off until the 52nd minute.
 
Benji Michel nearly gave the Pilots a two-goal lead in the 53rd minute when a deflection of his initial shot landed at his feet, creating a 1-v-1 opportunity. But Gonzaga keeper Ben Willis came through with a clutch save on the shot from point-blank range, and the game remained 1-0.
 
In the 73rd minute Edwardson cracked one towards the frame, driving it near post, but again Willis came through with the save to keep the Zags within reach.
 
But the Pilots were solid on defense all night long, and in the closing minutes Portland did well to keep possession and let the clock run out.
 
Gonzaga finished with just two shots on the night, and Christensen only had to make one save. Portland attempted nine shots, with Willis providing two stops.
 
The game marked the final regular season at Merlo Field for Portland's seniors, Hanno Antoni, Christensen, Matthew Coffey, Edwardson, Kris Reaves, Jason Romero and Brandon Zambrano.
 
The Pilots next head to Moraga, Calif., on Saturday to conclude the regular season against the Saint Mary's Gaels, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.