PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland's Benji Michel scored twice and Malcolm Dixon provided the game-winner as the Pilots defeated the British Columbia Thunderbirds 4-2 in a men's soccer exhibition match played on a hazy Wednesday night at Merlo Field. Rey Ortiz also found the back of the net for the Pilots.
 
It was Ortiz who struck first when he scored on a free kick in the game's second minute. From just outside the box, Ortiz bent a shot around the wall and past the UBC goalkeeper to hand the home side an early cushion.
 
The Thunderbirds then briefly leveled the score courtesy an own goal, but Michel quickly gave the lead back to Portland with the first of his two goals. The junior forward had possession in the left side of the 18-yard box and hit a shot just right from a tough angle, avoiding the keeper and finding the inside of the far post.
 
The Thunderbirds would equalize before Dixon put the game away with a stellar effort in the 85th minute. Surrounded by defenders, he somehow made his way through traffic, kept possession, and buried a strike into the right corner of the net.
 
Michel provided the insurance with his second goal of the night moments later.
 
Next up for the Pilots is a trip north to conclude the exhibition season with a match at Seattle U on Saturday night. Kickoff at Championship Field is set for 7 p.m.