PORTLAND—Despite outshooting Portland 19-10 and forcing the Pilots into eight saves, the Utah Valley University women’s soccer team fell just short in a 2-1 loss at No. 24 Portland on Saturday night at Merlo Field.
“I told the players at the end of the game that they need to keep their heads up,” said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. “Overall, we performed very well. We won nearly every statistical category. We created enough chances to win, but it was one of those nights where us just wasn’t meant to be.”
After falling behind 1-0 in just the eighth minute, Utah Valley’s Faith Webber sent a pass into the box to Julianna Carter who was then fouled from behind and UVU was awarded a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. Sydney Bushman fired the penalty kick into the back of the net to tie the game, 1-1.
Portland’s Selma Licina sent a free kick into the box in the 66th minute from the left side and the MJ Roe chipped it into the goal for what would prove to be the game winner.
Utah Valley outshot Portland 19-10, including a 9-4 advantage on frame. UVU had six corner kicks to Portland’s three. Webber and Heather Stainbrook led the Wolverines with a match-high five shots each. Webber had a game-best three shots on frame. Nicole Olanda and Nicole Ray also had a pair of shots.