PORTLAND, Ore. --- After the Pilots conceded a first-half goal, senior Hannah Griffiths Boston found the back of the net twice in the second half as Portland opened the season with a thrilling 2-1 win over the Portland State Vikings on Friday night at Merlo Field.
 
Griffiths Boston's first goal came in the 47th minute as Portland (1-0-0) quickly found the equalizer after the break. Ellie Walker set up the play when she sent a ball wide to Kimberly Hazlett, who made a well-timed run. Hazlett then took a couple of touches towards the end line before driving a cross towards the fall post. That's where Griffiths Boston got a touch on it in to redirect it, beating PSU keeper Abbie Faingold to level the score 1-1.
 
The game was evenly played from there as both teams searched for the game-winner, and it came in the 84th minute when a penalty was awarded to the Pilots, who were playing a man-down. Griffiths Boston earned the PK when she was fouled in the box, and the senior then stepped to the spot to hit the free attempt. She easily finished, and the Pilots would hold on for the win.
 
The brace gives Griffiths Boston five goals in the past two seasons against the Vikings, as the Portland native recorded a hat trick during last year's 6-0 win.
 
The game was physical, as the Vikings (0-1-0) were whistled for 23 fouls on the night. But it was the Pilots who were forced to play with 10 players after Natalie Muth was shown her second yellow of the night in the 80th minute.
 
Portland State took an early lead when they capitalized on a free kick 13 minutes into the game. Kristin Moyer sent in a perfectly placed ball, and Regan Russell gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with a well-hit header that settled into the corner of the net.
 
The Pilots next welcome the No. 23 NC State Wolfpack on Sunday for a 5 p.m. game. NC State opened the season with a 4-1 win over Oregon in Eugene on Friday.