University of Portland Athletics

A crowd of 3,234 fans came out to Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex for the team's regular season opener

PORTLAND, Ore. – The No. 6 Portland men's soccer team hit the frame twice and had another potential goal cleared off the line in a 0-0 draw with California Friday night at Merlo Field at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex. A raucous crowd of 3,234 brought energy throughout, especially in the final minutes as both teams chased a winner.

How it Happened
Portland totaled 13 shots in the match, four of them on goal, and had quality chances throughout.

Pilot senior Diego Rosas nearly put Portland on top in the 19th minute when he was sprung free on the left side following a midfield interception and through ball ahead by Efetobo Aror. His shot was kick-saved by Cal goalkeeper Adam Salama. Four minutes later it was Rosas that set up a teammate as his cross found sophomore Ayo Akintobi at the far post. His sliding attempt bounced and went off the top of the crossbar.  

The Golden Bears nearly broke through in the 41st minute when Callen Lewis got loose down the left wing and cut into the box. He got a shot past Pilot goalkeeper Miguel-Angel Hernandez, who came off his line to challenge, but Portland defender Michael Dunne was well positioned to clear the shot off the line and preserve the shutout.

The second half again featured multiple scoring opportunities. Akintobi again put himself in a good position in the 72nd minute when he received a pass inside the box from Christian Mendoza, took one touch and drilled a shot that beat the keeper but hit the wrong side of the crossbar for the second time in the match.

Cal came back in the 77th minute as Lewis again sprung free but his 1-v-1 shot was smothered by Hernandez. The Pilots picked up the pressure late and had attempts from Joe Highfield and another 1-v-1 from Rosas that both missed high. David Ajagbe then beat Salama to a loose ball in the box, but his toe-poke attempt was cleared off the line by Bears defender Beau Morrison. Portland had two more shots in the closing minutes but couldn't find the net.

Game Notes

• The 3,234 fans marked the 10th best regular season home attendance in the last 25 years for Pilot men's soccer.
• Portland had 13 total shots in the match, four on goal. Cal finished with seven shots with two on frame.
• The Pilots had a 7-1 margin in corner kicks.
• Cal picked up four Yellow Cards, including a straight red to Florentino Junior late in the 31st minute that was reduced to yellow after a VAR challenge.
• Portland's bench picked up a Yellow Card but no Pilot player was cautioned.
   

Up Next
The road ahead remains tough for Portland as they face a loaded non-conference schedule. The Pilots next visit preseason No. 1-ranked Washington on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. before traveling to face No. 8 Princeton on Monday, Aug. 31.
 

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