SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Despite outshooting their opponent 13-6, the Portland Pilots dropped their season opener against the Utah Utes 3-1. The Pilots are now 0-1 to start the 2021 season.

Nedya Sawan was the lone scorer for the Pilots with a goal in the 84^th minute. The Utes had three different goalscorers on the night, with Eden Jacobson, Taliana Kaufusi and Makayla Christensen all scoring for Utah.

It didn't take long for Portland to find themselves behind on the scoreboard. Six minutes into the match, Utah was pressuring the Pilots' goal. Eden Jacobson found herself with the ball at the top of the goal. Jacobson let fly a shot that was just out of freshman goalkeeper Bre Norris's reach. The ball sailed into the top left corner of the goal, making it 1-0 Utah.

Utah controlled possession for most of the first half, but the Pilots found opportunities with their counterattacks. Nedya Sawan in particular controlled the ball well in the final third and put together two of the Pilots three opportunities in the first 30 minutes. Unfortunately for Portland, nothing came of those attempts.

The Pilots ramped up the pressure as the first half drew to a close. Sawan and company put continuous pressure on the Utes' goal, with the sophomore forward putting one more shot on target before the half. But no goals would be scored in the first 45, with the Pilots trailing 1-0 after one half.

The second half started with the Pilots employing a high press with hopes of forcing Utah's back line into careless mistakes. It paid off early on, with Nyota Katembo putting together two shots and one shot on goal in her first action as a Pilot. Portland looked prime for a breakthrough.

But Utah handled the pressure well enough and took advantage in the 61^st minute. Taliana Kaufusi controlled the ball at the top of the box and dribbled to find an opening. She found it and launched a shot right past Norris, making it 2-0 Utes.

The Pilots' work in the counterattack finally paid off in the 84^th minute. Katmebo had the ball at midfield and played a roller to Sawan. One-on-one with a Utah defender, Sawan dribbled the ball down the field and shifted slightly to her left and put it past the keeper to cut Utah's lead to one.

The Utes didn't wait long to respond, scoring just 30 seconds after the pilots. Portland's defense broke down as Utah charged towards the goal. Makayla Christensen slipped into the box uncovered and put a low shot right by Norris. The shot made it 3-1 Utah, which proved to be the final.

Next up, the Pilots will head to Missoula, Mont. for their non-conference matchup against the Montana Grizzlies. Kickoff for that match is set for noon on Sunday, Aug. 22.