SEATTLE, Wash. --- The Portland Pilots were solid offensively and repeatedly created opportunities in the final third of the field, but in the end the Michigan State Spartans prevailed 1-0 by scoring the game-winner in the 94th minute on Thursday night at Husky Soccer Stadium. The non-conference contest was the opener of the 2018 Husky Nike Invitational.
 
The MSU (4-0) winner came on a corner kick, which was sent in by Kassidy Madrigal towards the far post. That's where Michaela Kovacs made a perfectly timed run and finished with a header to hand the Spartans the win with her first goal of the season.
 
The Pilots (2-2) controlled the run of play for most of the match, including in the first half when Portland put together some decent chances. In the ninth minute, Hanna Armendariz found Jasmine Garibay with a short pass inside the 18, and Garibay put a quality shot on frame. But her attempt took a deflection before ending up in the arms of the keeper.
 
In the 15th minute, Larkin Russell nearly gave the Pilots the lead when she tried a first-time finish, but she hit the shot wide of the right post from about 10 yards out. Then in the 22nd minute, it was Garibay again with a golden opportunity as the junior was on the end on a perfectly played through ball. Reilly Ott, the MSU goalkeeper, came through with a save on the point-blank shot, preserving the scoreless game.
 
The Pilots continued to be opportunistic in the second half, putting continued pressure on the Michigan State defense. Taryn Ries hit one from distance in the 49th minute that Ott made a nice save on, re-directing the attempt over the crossbar.
 
On the other end of the field, Portland's goalkeeper Rachel Lusby provided her own solid save when she dove to deny a shot off the foot of Madrigal from the top of the six-yard box.
 
In the 72nd minute, UP freshman Madison Carter had possession, made her way through traffic, and drove a shot towards the left post. But Ott was there for her fifth save of the game as the two teams would eventually head to overtime tied 0-0.
 
The Pilots out-shot the Spartans 11-8, and both keepers made five saves.
 
The Pilots next stay in Seattle where they'll play the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday, with kick off slated for 11:30 a.m.