Zags end Non-Conference Slate with Loss at Portland
10/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
PORTLAND, Ore.—The Gonzaga University men's soccer team wrapped up its non-conference schedule Sunday with a tightly-contested match against the University of Portland at Merlo Field. Despite controlling much of the second half, however, a long Pilot goal in the first period remained the difference as the Bulldogs fell 1-0.
"The guys played well today and never quit," said Gonzaga head coach Einar Thorarinsson. "We were disappointed to give up the goal. We're also still trying to find our scoring touch."
The Zags were swarming early in the match with two good chances in the first two minutes. There was only one credited shot, but the Bulldogs' first opportunity came off a corner in which a Gonzaga attempt from close range was picked off by the Portland defense. Half a minute later, just 1:29 into the contest, Conner Bevans had a chance from short distance on the right side, but Portland keeper Paul Christensen made the save to prevent an early goal.
Making his third start in the goal for Gonzaga, Ben Willis made a strong save during the 12th minute to keep the game scoreless early. He came off his line to challenge Portland's Eddie Sanchez, who held the ball in a bit of space inside the area. Sanchez took a shot, and the advancing Willis got his hands on the ball and pushed it out of play.
Bevans had another quality look in the 34th minute, receiving a pass with space on the right side of the six yard box. He took a quick shot, but the attempt went just to the right of the Portland net and out for a goal kick.
Somewhat against the run of play, Portland struck first with a tally in the 39th minute. Michael Escobar had space from about 30 yards out. He composed himself and rifled the shot into the far portion of the goal for the game's only score.
Coming on as a sub in the second half, Nate Pacheco had a strong impact on the Bulldogs' offense. He took a season-high three shots during his time on the pitch with two decent chances in the span of a minute and a half near the end of the contest. In the 82nd minute he sent a free kick just a bit high, and the senior from New Mexico had an even better opportunity in the 84th minute, sending a shot in from about nine yards out. A Gonzaga defender got a piece of Pacheco's shot to deflect it out for a corner kick.
As a whole, the Zags controlled a lot of possession during the second half, taking nine shots to Portland's five and attempting five corners to one. No Bulldog attempt found the back of the net, however, and the Zags dropped their final non-conference matchup 1-0 to the Pilots.
Gonzaga (2-9-0) will now begin conference play in full, beginning games that count in the WCC standings next weekend. They take on Santa Clara on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Santa Clara, Calif.
