MORAGA, Calif. -- Despite a stronger second half, the Portland Pilots fell to the Saint Mary's Gaels 1-0 in their WCC opener, putting the Pilots at an even 5-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Cade Cowan scored the lone goal of the match.

Things were fairly even to start the match, with both teams putting together a few successful runs offensively early. Saint Mary's managed to get the cleanest early chances, but George Tasouris stayed strong in the goal and came up with two key saves in just the first 10 minutes.

The game swung in the Gaels' favor, however, in the 26^th minute. Saint Mary's made a run at Portland's goal. With the ball on the right side of the goal, Riley Lynch launched a shot that was saved by Tasouris. Unfortunately for Portland, Cowan followed the shot from the left of the box and put it in the back of the net on the rebound. The Gaels took a 1-0 lead.

Both teams played physical soccer for the rest of the half, going back and forth down the field. There were a combined five yellow cards in just the first half alone, with both teams playing aggressive. With six total shots to the Pilots' three, Saint Mary's seemingly got the better of Portland as they put pressure on the Pilots' goal and subsequently prevented any successful counterattacks. The Gaels led 1-0 at the half.

In the second half, the Pilots tried to create some offense by attacking wide. But the Gaels snuffed out the strategy and kept Portland trapped on the sidelines and prevented any easy crosses from making their way towards the goal. Eventually, the Pilots started put together some quality opportunities, but the Gaels prevented any cracks from appearing.

As the half progressed, the opportunities became slightly more plentiful. They didn't allow the Gaels to trap them as frequently on the sides and used long passes in hopes of keeping Saint Mary's on their heels. But despite tilting the Gaels, they couldn't turn the increased opportunities into shots.

Portland looked stronger in the second half, finally getting a shot off in the 78^th minute. But despite a much-improved effort in the second half, the Pilots would not find an equalizer. The Gaels triumphed 1-0.
 
The Pilots will be back home on Saturday, Oct. 9 for their first home conference match against the San Diego Toreros. Saturday will be a doubleheader at Merlo Field, with the men's team kicking things off at 4 p.m. followed by the women's team – who will play the San Francisco Dons – at 7 p.m.