PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland held Pacific scoreless and began West Coast Conference play with a 4-0 shutout victory Saturday to open at home at Merlo Field before a crowd of 1,665 fans.
The win boosted Portland's record to 6-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in WCC action, while the Tigers fall to 4-3-3 and 0-1-0 in league.
How it Happened
Portland took a 1-0 lead when Jacob Babalai recorded his seventh goal of the season in the 20th minute on a penalty kick after Nick Fernandez was taken down in the box.
The Pilots extended their lead to 2-0 on a goal Fernandez -- his first goal of the season -- in the 33rd minute, assisted by Samory Powder. Fernandez hit a stellar strike from outside the box into the left side netting.
Portland extended its lead to 3-0 on Buba Fofanah's 61st-minute goal, his sixth of the season. Sebastian Nava started the sequence with a cross that was knocked down by Babalai and Fofanah converted from inside the six-yard box.
The Pilots kept Pacific scoreless and grabbed a 4-0 lead with an 82nd-minute strike from Powder, his fourth goal of the season. Babalai picked up his second assist of the night on the goal.
Game Notes
- Portland gained a 15-9 edge in shots and 9-4 margin in shots on goal.
- The Pilots had an 8-5 margin in corner kicks.
- Kash Oladapo piled up four saves for the Pilots in earning his first shutout of the season.
- Portland entered the week leading the nation in scoring (3.14) and will see that average increase.
- The Pilots have now scored four or more goals in six of eight total matches, all victories.
Up Next
The Pilots continue WCC play on Friday with a road match against the Santa Clara Broncos at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
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