PORTLAND, Ore. --- Taryn Ries found the back of the net in the second half and the Pilots hit the woodwork three times, including twice during overtime, as Portland played to a 1-1 draw with the No. 20 Santa Clara Broncos in a West Coast Conference women's soccer game played on Saturday night at Merlo Field. The game was evenly played, but the Pilots did control large stretches of possession throughout the night, especially during the second half and the two overtimes.
 
Down a goal in the 77th minute, Larkin Russell had possession for the Pilots and worked her way across the field. She then cut back with a pass to Ries, and the forward hit a left-footed shot inside the left post from the top of the box to pull the Pilots (4-4-4, 0-2-2 WCC) level with the Broncos. The goal is the fourth of the year for Ries, and Russell collects her second assist.
 
Russell then put a well-struck shot on frame from distance that was saved, and Portland keeper Jenny Wahlen denied a Santa Clara shot in the 86th minute as the two sides headed to extra time.
 
Neither team was able to break through during the first eight minutes, but the Pilots had a golden opportunity in the 99th minute when they were awarded a penalty after the SCU goalkeeper, Courtney Ogren, was called for a hard foul inside the area. Russell then stepped to the spot, looking to give the home team the win, but her shot hit the post as the game continued.
 
The second overtime remained scoreless as well, but in the closing seconds the Pilots nearly found the game-winner. After a scramble inside the 18-yard box, Ries hit one that seemed destined for the back of the net, but it hit the crossbar as the game ended even.
 
Santa Clara's (8-5-2, 2-0-2 WCC) goal came in the 22nd minute. Maddie Gonzalez had possession near the end line before sending a low cross towards the top of the sixth. That's where Machaela George got a touch on it, slotting it past the keeper to give the Broncos the edge.
 
The goal came after Ries hit the crossbar for the first time when she tried to go top shelf with a shot in the 17th minute. Russell put a decent attempt on-target in the 35th minute when she drilled a shot from about 22 yards out. Ogren was there with a stellar save to keep the game scoreless.
 
The Pilots created several chances after the break, including in the 64th minute when Natalie Muth played a great ball into the area. Ries got a head on it, but the attempt found the gloves of Ogden. Kimberly Hazlett whipped in a quality cross minutes later, and Elliott Winkelmann tried to finish first time. Ogren was there again for the stop.
 
Hazlett then had a shot saved from point blank range a few minutes before Portland's PK.
 
Next for the Pilots is a visit by the BYU Cougars on Wednesday night at Merlo Field, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.