SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The University of Portland men's soccer team picked up a quality road result with a 1-1 tie at San Diego Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium. Senior striker Luke Hendel provided the lone goal for the Pilots with a penalty kick 12 seconds before halftime. The Pilots improve to 2-2-2 overall and 1-1-2 in West Coast Conference play.
Hendel is now 2-for-2 on PK's this season and has a team-high four goals scored. Hendel earned the penalty when he was knocked down from behind during a scrum box. He stepped to the spot and buried the PK for a 1-0 lead.
The Toreros (2-2-2, 2-1-2 WCC) equalized in the 77th minute as Ryhs Gourdie took one touch at the top of the area and sent a left-footed shot inside the right post.
Portland attempted the lone shot in the first overtime period before defender Paul Odendahl was send off with a red card in the 94th minute. Despite playing a man down the rest of the way, Pilots allowed just two shots and goalkeeper Jacopo Viola stopped both to preserve the draw.
Viola recorded four saves overall in the match. Both teams attempted 12 shots, while the Pilots earned nine corner kicks and surrendered just four.
The Pilots will return home and continue WCC play next weekend against the Santa Clara Broncos. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Merlo Field. Limited fan attendance will be available for fans purchasing in advance (no walk-up sales). More information will be available early next week at PortlandPilots.com.
