In Seattle University men’s soccer’s (0-5-1) final match of a six game season-opening road swing, Portland (3-2-0) scored early and, despite tying the game, the Redhawks fell, 2-1.
"Jake Feener, once again, played phenomenally," said head coach Pete Fewing. "It was a great goal by Miguel Gonzalez, his fourth of the year. Today was a tough lesson for the guys, but we'll get after it again next week as we return home."
In the 7th minute, Michael Escobar scored his first goal of the season for UP, assisted by Eddie Sanchez as he took one shot and sunk the ball into the right side of the goal from about 22 yards out.
Over the next 10 minutes, the Redhawks outshot the Pilots, 7-4, as Miguel Gonzalez (Yelm, Wash.) broke away past two defenders in the 17th minute and kicked the ball in from 19 yards out to tie the game, 1-1. Hamza Haddadi (Shoreline, Wash.) was credited with the assist.
A tie game until the 38th minute, Hugo Rhoads scored what would be the winning goal off a corner kick by Escobar. The Pilots kept the 2-1 lead into halftime and through a scoreless second half, coming away with the win.
Three different Redhawks led the team with two shots apiece while Jamie Velasco led the Pilots with five shots, two on goal. As a team, Portland outshot Seattle U, 25-11.
In goal, Jake Feener (Rocklin, Calif.) made 14 saves in the complete game for SU, while Justin Baarts notched the win for Portland, making four saves.
Seattle U makes their 2013 home debut next Friday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. as they host Georgia State at Championship Field. The game will be part of a doubleheader with the SU women’s soccer team, as they host Grand Canyon University in their Western Athletic Conference home opener at 4:30 p.m.