Soccer Battles, Falls to Host Portland 2-1

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Miami Hurricanes put together their most complete effort of the young season Friday night, but dropped their first match of the Nike Portland Invitational to the host Pilots by a final score of 2-1.

In front of 2,644 fans at Merlo Field, the Hurricanes (2-5) impressed with a determined performance against a talented Pilots side (3-3-0). Miami was trailing 1-0 at halftime, came back to tie the game on the second goal of the season from sophomore Emily Auld, but dropped the decision on Danica Evans’ eventual gamewinning penalty kick.

“We were a different team tonight,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “I am really proud of the team. We came out with energy, determination, and fight. It’s the best we’ve played as a team all season.”

Miami recorded five corner kicks compared to just two for the Pilots, and forced Portland keeper Taylor Luty (2-1-0) into four saves. Junior Jasmine Paterson led the way with four shots, while Auld – who scored off a cross from sophomore Gianna Dal Pozzo – tallied for the second consecutive match.

The sophomore midfielder is now tied for the team lead in goals through seven matches.

“Emily scored a fantastic goal today,” Monroe said. “Sheer determination on her part to get up and head the ball in a crowd of defenders.”

Senior Emily Auld made five saves in the defeat.

The visitors might have had a chance to tie the match after some dangerous runs, including several by senior captain Ashley Flinn.

“We were unlucky to not get a few calls that could have changed the outcome of the game,” Monroe said afterwards. “

Six field players gave 90-minute efforts against the Pilots: Auld, Dal Pozzo, Maddie Simms, Shannon McCarthy, Grace Rapp and Erin McGovern. The Hurricanes will end their run at the Invitational Sunday with a match against Washington, slated to begin at 3 p.m. ET.

“The team grew today, and I am very excited to see how they come out to play against the Huskies on Sunday,” Monroe said.