PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland's Taryn Ries gave the home side the lead with a goal in the second half, but the Oregon Ducks rallied for a 2-1 win over the short-handed Pilots in a thrilling non-conference women's soccer game played on Friday evening at Merlo Field.
 
The goal is the third this season for Ries, and it came in the 54th minute with the Pilots and Ducks scoreless. On a corner kick, Russell Larkin sent in a perfect ball towards the far post. That's where Ries planted a firm header into the right corner of the net to make it a 1-0 game in Portland's favor. Russell, who is the reigning WCC Player of the Week, collects her third assist in the past three games.
 
The Ducks responded, and in the 60th minute they were awarded a penalty after Portland was called for a foul inside the 18, and the head ref pointed to the spot. Marissa Everett then slotted it in, leveling the score 1-1.
 
From there both teams searched for the go-ahead goal, and it was the Ducks who found of the back of the net in the 79th minute. This time a long cross from the right skipped through the box, and Cardonnay Curran was there to put it away with her first goal of the year.
 
The Pilots did have a few chances during the closing minutes with a handful of set pieces from inside the Oregon half, including a corner kick in the 89th minute. But Portland was unable to provide the finishing touch, and the Ducks escaped with the win.
 
Oregon, who is receiving votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches' poll, improve to 5-1-1 on the year, while the Pilots even their record at 4-4-0.
 
Neither team created much offense in the first half, but after the break Portland freshman Madison Carter sent a well-struck hit towards the frame. Oregon goalkeeper Halla Hinriksdottir made a stellar, diving save to punch the attempt over the cross bar to keep the match scoreless.
 
Portland's Rachel Lusby also produced a few clutch saves to keep the Pilots in the game, finishing with seven on the night.
 
The Pilots next head south to Corvallis, Ore., for a match with the Oregon State Beavers on Sunday. Kickoff at Lorenz Field is set for 5 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on the Pac-12 Network.