University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score  
 
SAN FRANCISCO—The Dons erased a two-goal deficit but missed opportunities and a late goal from Portland's Eddie Sanchez cost them as they fell to the Pilots 3-2 in their West Coast Conference opener on Friday night.
 
"I'm very disappointed that we lacked the energy and intensity especially on the defensive side in the first half and we really allowed Portland to set the tone and dictate the tone of the game," San Francisco head coach Erik Visser said. "Losing our first game at home in conference against Portland is not acceptable. It's not good enough."
 
The Dons (3-4-1, 0-1-0 WCC) had two golden opportunities to take the lead late in the second half. Liam Kelly took a pass for a header in the 78th minute but it went wide. Vegard Karlsen also had a shot in the 80th minute from about 10 yards out but hi wide open shot went high.
 
In the 83rd minute, Portland (6-3-0, 1-0-0 WCC) earned a free kick and Hugo Rhoads quick kicked it to Eddie Sanchez and he punched it in just past Hauser to give them the 3-2 lead.
 
The Dons seemed to be getting some momentum coming into the second half and put pressure on the Pilots defense early but it was short-lived. Portland turned that momentum around and in the 48th minute a shot from Matthew Coffey was knocked down by Chase Hauser but Steven Corbett was there for the rebound and kicked it in for the goal, giving the Pilots a 2-0 lead.
 
"At halftime, we made some adjustments, we talked to the guys about picking up the energy level," Visser said. "Although we gave up a quick second goal, in the second half there was a lot more energy."
 
The Dons responded in quick fashion. In the 56th minute, Miguel Aguilar bounced off a couple of defenders to was able to find David Romney in the left flat and his shot went off the right hand of Jason Dodson and in for the goal.
 
It was the first goal for Romney. Dodson had played more than 300 minutes this season without allowing a goal.
 
The Dons added to that total in the 62nd minute when Liam Kelly's pass found Aguilar alone in the right side of the box and he beat an oncoming Dodson for the goal. The points from Aguilar broke a streak of 11 straight games dating back to last season where he had not collected a point.
 
"In the first games of the season we haven't really seen the Miguel of the last two years," Visser said. "The Miguel that plays with a lot of energy, creates a lot of opportunities. He's one of the guys who really stepped up and made things happen but it can't just come from one guy."
 
Some of the changes San Francisco made at halftime included the insertion of Jesus Del Toro and Tyler Sylvia to provide a spark of energy and it was felt almost immediately.
 
"They play like lions," Visser said. "When it's all said and done, that's what Iexpect from a team that I coach that they play like Jesus Del Toro and Tyler Sylvia. They play with their heart on the line and give it all they have."
 
"To have us come and have a talented team like we are, put ourselves in a difficult situation 2-0 down then crawl back then give up a late goal is disappointing. It's disheartening."
 
Portland struck first in the opening period. In the 36th minute, Eddie Sanchez took the pass from Corbett and he broke through the box and drilled a kick past an oncoming Hauser for the goal. It was Sanchez's fifth goal of the season.
 
Portland had a couple of early scoring chances and within seconds of kickoff, the Pilots' Matthew Coffey was able to break free and get a shot off but it went just to the left of the goal.
 
Next match
Sunday, Oct. 6
Opponent: Gonzaga (5-2-1, 0-0-1 WCC)
Location: Negoesco Stadium
Time: 1 p.m.
Coverage: USFDons.com/live, Live Stats