MORAGA, Calif. – The Portland Pilots made a second-half push against the Saint Mary's Gaels, but ultimately lost 2-1 in Moraga. The loss puts the Pilots at 5-7-0 overall and 1-3-0 in WCC play.

Nedya Sawan had the lone goal for the Pilots. She is the leading scorer for Portland this season with seven goals, which ranks among the top five in the WCC. Maya Alcantara and Suzuna Shibukawa scored the goals for Saint Mary's, with Shibukawa assisting on Alcantara's goal.

Both teams took the first 15 minutes or so to feel one another out, not rushing into any actions. Both teams only had one shot early on, with Taryn Ries taking the chance for Portland and Isabella Santavicca shooting for Saint Mary's. Neither team was able to penetrate the other's defenses to start the match.

It wouldn't stay at zero for long, with the Gaels being the ones who broke the tie. Suzuna Shibukawa set up for the free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The whistle blew and Shibukawa launched a perfect cross into the box for Maya Alcantara. Alcantara connected on the header and bounced the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal. Saint Mary's took a 1-0 lead just over 26 minutes in.

The momentum shifted to Saint Mary's side after that first goal, and the Gaels utilized that momentum in the 36th minute. Shibukawa set up for another free kick in the exact same spot after Camille Ashe earned a yellow card. Instead of serving it to someone in the box, Shibukawa decided to score it herself. Score it she did, as the ball curved perfectly into the top left corner of the goal to make it 2-0 Saint Mary's.

The first half ended up heavily favoring the Gaels. Along with their two goals, Saint Mary's outshot the Pilots 8-2 and dominated possession. They didn't let the Pilots do much of anything in the midfield and put pressure on Portland's goal. The result was a 2-0 lead for the Gaels heading into halftime.

The second half began in a similar fashion to how the first half had ended. The Gaels continued to put pressure on the Pilots' goal as they relentlessly attacked. They continued to look especially dangerous on set pieces. Portland, meanwhile, continued to struggle with getting the ball across midfield. They had some success working the ball along the sidelines, but Saint Mary's looked in control.

The Pilots put together a more cohesive attack as the half progressed. They began to find chances on the counterattack, with Taryn Ries and Nedya Sawan working the left wing well. Even though they didn't score, the Pilots did put together four shots in a short 15-minute span.

The second-half push paid off in the 87^th minute. Ries played a long ball to Sawan down the left side of the field. Sawan battled a Saint Mary's defender for the ball and boxed out her mark to take possession of the ball. She launched a right-footed shot towards the goal and found the back of the net, bringing the Pilots within one late.

But the push was too little too late. Portland pushed all players forward, putting as many bodies towards the goal as possible. But time was simply not on their side, as their final long cross was collected by Saint Mary's Taylor Poland as the Gaels won 2-1.

Next up, the Pilots will be back home for their midweek matchup against the San Diego Toreros. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats, video and ticket options.