PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland senior Ariel Viera buried a shot into the corner of the net in the 65th minute and the Pilots nearly found the game-winner several times in the second half, but in the end the home side would settle for a 1-1 draw with the Oregon Ducks in an exhibition match played on Saturday night at Merlo Field.
 
Viera's goal came after the Ducks had taken a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute. The midfielder gained possession near the top of the box, made her way through traffic and finished inside the right post to level the score 1-1.
 
After conceding that goal to the Ducks, the Pilots took over possession and controlled the pace of play for the remainder of the second half. Sophomore Juliana Guthner nearly found the equalizer a minute after the Oregon goal, but her shot from point-blank range was smothered by UO keeper Sarah Preston. Guthner had a chance at the rebound, but Preston got a slight touch on the shot to send it off the right post.
 
In the 69th minute, Maddie Dieker had possession inside the 18 before finding the feet of Kimberly Hazlett at the top of the six. But Hazlett's shot was sent high of the frame, and the score remained even. Dieker decided to hit one from distance in the 71st minute, but her shot just missed the top right corner of the frame and the clock would soon hit 90 minutes.
 
Next up for the Pilots is the regular season opener, which is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 18 when the Portland State Vikings visit Merlo Field for a 7 p.m. match-up.