Box Score
PORTLAND, Ore. - For the third consecutive game, the San Francisco men's soccer team outplayed their opponent on the road, but came up short, this time losing 1-0 to Portland on Friday night at Merlo Field.
The Dons (2-3-2, 0-1-0 WCC) outshot the Pilots (4-4-1, 2-0-0 WCC) 16-14, including a 6-to-2 shot on goal advantage, but were unable to find the back of the net. USF created a multitude of opportunities throughout the match, including 13 corner kicks compared to the Pilots' six, but couldn't capitalize.
"I can't fault the effort and fight of our guys tonight," Head Coach Erik Visser said. "It's frustrating to play well on the road again for the third straight match, but not produce the result we're looking for. Ultimately it's up to myself to instill a winning mentality in this club and I'm confident our guys will use this experience to improve."
The Dons' back four played tight defense throughout the match, led by freshman
Kevin Gould. USF goalkeeper
Brendan Roslund was unchallenge for the most part, facing just two shots on goal. Unfortunately for San Francisco, Portland took advantage, as Keith Grubisich scored the game's only goal when he re-directed a shot by Colin Anderson in the 31st minute. Pilots' sophomore Michael Escobar worked a pass into Anderson, who pounded a shot from nearly 12 yard out. Grubisich was able to get a foot on Anderson's strike, deflecting the shot past Roslund.
Forward
Miguel Aguilar led the attack for USF with three shots, all of which were on target. Sophomore
Taylor Krueger barely missed a shot wide left in the 62nd minute, finishing with two shots on the night. Freshman defensmen Josh Smith also added three shots of his own while playing solid defense on the back line.
The Dons return to the pitch this Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2:00 p.m. against the Gonzaga Bulldogs (4-4-0, 0-1-0 WCC). San Francisco and Gonzaga will both be seeking their first WCC win of the season.
