PORTLAND, Ore. -- The No. 22 Portland Pilots notched a 2-1 win over the Washington Huskies on Friday at home at Merlo Field. The win gives Portland a victory to start the 2024 campaign.
Sebastian Nava and Nicky Dunbar were the two goalscorers for Portland. It's the third time in four years that Nava has scored the opening goal of the season for the Pilots.
How it Happened
Portland opened the scoring when Nava notched his first goal of the season in the sixth minute, assisted by Diego Rosas. Rosas got the ball forward to Nava on a counterattack, with Nava knocking it into the top left corner.
The Huskies evened the game on a goal from Charlie Kosakoff in the 11th minute, assisted by Joe Dale and Rhys Gourdie. The score remained tied at one heading into the half.
Portland took a 2-1 lead on Dunbar's 62nd-minute goal, his first of the season. Buba Fofanah hit a shot off the post that Dunbar found, with the winger taking advantage. The Pilots fended off the Huskies the rest of the way for a 2-1 win.
Game Notes
- This is the seventh year in a row the Pilots have either won or tied their season opener.
- 3,306 spectators attended the game.
- Kash Oladapo recorded six saves for the Pilots out of 10 total Huskies shots. His six saves are the most he's posted as a Pilot.
- Nava's goal marked the third time in four seasons that he has scored the first goal of the year for the Pilots.
- Dunbar's goal was the second of his career.
- Rosas and Fofanah both earned assists on the night.
- The Pilots have gone unbeaten in 29 straight regular season matches, the longest such streak in program history.
Quote From Head Coach Nick Carlin-Voigt
"Terrific start to the season against a very good Big 10 and PNW rival who will win a lot of games. The first goal was a spectacular play from Sebastian (Nava). That's how a senior and leader plays. Then honestly our opponent were sharper until the break, which will happen in a tight game where the margins are razor thin. Typical first game where some things went well and other areas sloppy. Our back line dealt with a lot of actions and bent but didn't break. We changed some things coming out of halftime and came out and regained enough momentum to get a well earned winning goal and then held on at the end. There were moments we showed some great attacking football. Really pleased with our group. We always talk about our guys off the bench deciding the game and tonight that happened with a stellar game-winner from Nicky Dunbar. Great to be back in front of our fans and start the season 1-0."
Up Next
The Pilots take on the UCLA Bruins on the road on Friday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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