MISSOULA, Mont. – The Portland Pilots women's soccer team defeated the Montana Grizzlies 1-0 on the road to collect their first win on the year. Their record sits at 1-1-0 (W-L-D) after the first week of action.

Nedya Sawan was the lone scorer for the Pilots. The sophomore forward has already matched her total from last season with two goals in just as many games.

The Pilots looked connected on offense to start this match. Portland had success sending long balls deep into the final third, leading to mismatches on that end. Montana did well to recover and prevented any early goals, but Portland looked in control to start.

After ceding possession for most of the half to the Pilots, the Grizzlies started to control the ball more and more as the game progressed. They found success with their interplay in the midfield, slicing and dicing their way towards the goal. The Pilots' back line was able to prevent the Grizzlies from getting too many quality looks on goal, however. It was a balanced first half, with the game tied at zero after the first 45.

The second half started out similarly to the first, with both teams looking solid in the midfield. But just over 10 minutes into the half, Portland made a breakthrough. Sawan found herself with the ball just outside the 18-yard box and launched a beautiful curling shot into the back of the goal. The clinical finish gave Portland a 1-0 lead in the 56^th minute.

The goal put the Pilots firmly in the driver's seat. But Montana didn't let the goal deter them, as they still played evenly in the midfield. The Grizzlies generated some chances with their build up, but Portland's back line remained strong while freshman keeper Bre Norris was stellar between sticks. Norris put together five saves in her second start as a Pilot.

Montana made one last final push as they searched for the equalizer. But Portland's back line – anchored by Colby Wilson – and Norris ensured that it wouldn't come. The Pilots would take down the Grizzlies 1-0.

The Pilots will be back in action this Friday for their match against the California Golden Bears. A doubleheader with the men, Portland and Cal will kickoff at 4 p.m. Portland's men's soccer team will then face off against the Air Force Falcons at 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live video and stats as well as ticket options.