PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots women's soccer team buried the Colorado College Tigers early with three first-half goals to win 3-0 at Merlo Field. The win puts the Pilots back at .500 at 3-3.
Taryn Ries, Nedya Sawan and Cally Togiai all scored for the Pilots. The goals mark the first of the season for both Ries and Togiai and the fourth for Sawan. Togiai's goal was the first of her career and sh also recorded an assist on Sawan's goal.
Portland wasted no time, scoring a goal in the fourth minute. Midfielder Nyota Katembo wound up with the ball at the top right corner of the box and sliced through the Tigers' backline. Her cross attempt was deflected by Colorado keeper Ally Wakeman, but Ries was right there on the rebound and put the goal into the back of the net to make it 1-0 Pilots.
Portland struck again in the 13
th minute. Togiai served a beautiful cross that sailed right over the Colorado College backline and landed right at the feet of Sawan. The sophomore forward took it past the keeper and lofted a shot into the back of the net to make it 2-0 Pilots.
Not even two minutes later, the Pilots added yet again to their lead. Aubrey Turner possessed the ball just past midfield and rolled a pass to Togiai. The freshman then launched an absolute rocket of a shot that was well out of Wakeman's reach. In just the first 15 minutes, the Pilots had accumulated a 3-0 lead.
The Pilots' first-half scoring barrage ended after that, with the Tigers starting to actually push the Pilots a bit offensively. But Portland's backline managed Colorado College well and maintained their three-goal lead after the first 45.
The second half started and the Tigers looked more competent on offense. They surpassed their shot total from the first half just 20 minutes into the second. But the Pilots stayed solid and put together a strong defense. The shots were there for Colorado College, but they wouldn't amount to much.
In the end, those early goals were more than enough to take down the Tigers. The Pilots would win 3-0.
The Pilots will be on the road yet again for their next match, taking on the Oregon Ducks down in Eugene. That match is set for Friday, Sept. 17 with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stat and video options.
