SEATTLE, Wash. --- No. 2 Florida scored in the first half before overcoming a determined Portland side as the Gators claimed a 1-0 win over the Pilots on Sunday evening at the Husky Nike Invitational at Husky Soccer Stadium.
 
Florida's (5-1-0) goal came in the 24th minute when Lais Araujo played a ball into the box, finding the feet of Gabby Seiler. Seiler, in a 1-v-1 opportunity with Portland goalkeeper Rachel Lusby, hit a shot into the right side of the net, handing the Gators a 1-0 lead. Deanne Rose also earned an assist on the play.
 
The first half was otherwise evenly played as the Pilots had a handful of chances. In the 38th minute, Kaycie Young played a through ball to Taryn Ries, who tried to go upper 90 with a shot. But her attempt was high of the crossbar as the two teams entered the locker room with Florida leading 1-0.
 
The Pilots continued to create chances in the second half, and in the 62nd minute Young nearly found the equalizer with a header, but Florida keeper Susi Espinoza was there for the save.
 
Espinoza's stop came moments after Lusby made a clutch save of her own. Sammie Betters tried to go inside the right post, but Lusby provided a stellar save, keeping the Pilots within reach. Lusby would record six saves on the night.
 
"Rachel Lusby once again was called upon several times to keep us in the game, and she made some key point-blank saves as she has done all year," said Portland head coach Garrett Smith.
 
In the 65th minute, Portland freshman Ellie Walker had possession inside the 18 with only Espinoza in front of her. Walker hit it towards the right post, but Espinoza made the diving stop to preserve the 1-0 lead. Then in the 81st minute, Young sent a dangerous corner kick into the 18-yard box. The ball was loose momentarily, but the Pilots couldn't connect on the final touch before Florida sent it away.
 
From there Portland would continue to pressure the attacking third, and the Pilots earned a free kick in the closing seconds about 30 yards out. But the Gators handled the free attempt, and the clock would run out to send Florida home with the win.
 
"Gritty performance all around from the Pilots," Smith said. "It was great to see the progress we have made this year. Our young team was faced with a nationally ranked opponent and we were up for the challenge, unfortunately we couldn't capitalize on the many chances we created. But our standards have now raised, and I like what the future may hold for us as we are starting to put some of the pieces together."
 
The Pilots next travel back to The Bluff to host the 2017 Nike Portland Invitational at Merlo Field. Portland first hosts Baylor on Friday night at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the Pilots will face Boise State for a 3 p.m. game.
 
"The learning curve for this team had been steep and we are starting to reap the benefits of those lessons," added Smith. "We are starting to trust one another and read situations which frees you up to attack the game like we did tonight. Give full credit to Florida traveling cross country to an amazing hard fought victory tonight. Our back line kept in-check a very dangerous team in the Gators, now we just have to capitalize on our chances."