SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Portland Pilots continued to create chances throughout the second half and during the final minutes at Husky Soccer Stadium, but in the end the New Mexico Lobos held on to claim a 1-0 win in a non-conference women's soccer game played on Friday evening. The game was the opener of the 2017 Husky Nike Invitational, which is being held at the University of Washington.
 
"That was a tough loss all around," said Portland head coach Garrett Smith following the game. "Starting the game without possession and letting New Mexico set the tone was a frustrating start. The Pilots showed we have it in us as some subs were inserted and the game changed. We ended the half in an equal game."
 
New Mexico's (3-2-0) goal came after the two sides had played 63 minutes of scoreless soccer. A ball was sent into the box, which found the feet of Claire Lynch. Lynch then tucked one away for her first goal of the season, handing the Lobos a slight 1-0 edge. Quincy Slora earned the assist.
 
From there the Pilots (2-3-0) searched for that equalizer and nearly found it a few times during the final 10 minutes. Freshman Kendra Steele had a shot blocked in the 86th minute, and Hannah Griffiths Boston nearly beat UNM keeper Emily Johnson to a loose ball near the top of the six moments later.
 
Griffiths Boston then had a shot blocked in the 89th minute before the game reached the end of regulation.
 
"The start of the second half showed some more good possession and sustained attacks, but in the end we had nothing to show for the better performance in critical moments in the final 1/3," added Smith. 
 
Portland's Kaycie Young was active offensively, finishing with a team-high three shots. She hit shots high of the crossbar during both the first and second halves. Goalkeeper Rachel Lusby helped the Pilots remain in the game with four crucial saves.
 
"We are still looking for the pieces that work best together early in the season," said Smith. "The bright spots tonight for us was the bench that came on and gave us some good possession and better sustained attack. Rachel Lusby once again proved to be up to the task to lead us as she's done all year so far. 
 
"It was also the best performance of the year for our central midfielders in Kaycie Young and Rylee Seekins, who were really able to start being the field generals and dictating possession for us once we got the right people around them.  We look forward to more of that this season. We need it."
 
The Husky Nike Invitational continues on Sunday for the Pilots, who will battle the second ranked team in the country, the Florida Gators. Kickoff at Husky Soccer Stadium is set for 6 p.m.