Pilots Draw with Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
The Pilots next make the trek to Tampa, Fla., where they will face the USF Bulls on Sunday. Kick off is set for 9:00 a.m.
(FORT MEYERS, Fla.) — Portland freshman goalkeeper Paul Christensen records his second career shutout as the Pilots and Florida Gulf Coast Eagles played to a 0-0 draw on a hot and humid Thursday night at the FGCU Soccer Complex.
The Pilots, who also blanked UCF to open the season, move to 1-0-2 on the year.
The Pilots had some good opportunities in the first half, and Christensen came through with a big-time save in the fourth minute. FGCU's Henry Penagos found himself in a 1-v-1 after a ball was played in, but Christensen came out to challenge and blocked the shot.
In the eight minute, Portland's Brandon Zambrano played a nice ball in from the right end-line, but Steven Corbett's header was just wide of the far post. Erik Edwardson forced Florid Gulf Coast keeper Nathan Ingham into a diving save in the 23 rd minute, and Zambrano had perhaps the best shot of the half in the 40th minute. On a perfect flick on from the Portland midfield, Zambrano tried to head a shot over Ingham, who had come off his line. But FGCU defender Aaron Guillen was there to clear the ball off the goal to preserve the scoreless tie.
Portland's best second half chances came late in the half off of shots by sophomore midfielder Geoffrey Dunn and Edwardson. Dunn was left open at the top of the box in the 86th minute and Edwardson was able to flick on a ball to him, but Dunn's shot went wide left. In the 89th minute, Edwardson was able to free himself at the top of the box and hit a driven shot to the left of FGCU's goalkeeper Nathan Ingham who was able dive left and corral the shot.
After neither team found the back of the net during the 90 minutes of regulation, they headed to extra time.
The Pilots came out strong in the beginning of the first overtime, but were unable to put the ball into the back of the net. Junior defender Hugo Rhoads had the best chance as he sent a shot on goal that was blocked by a FGCU defender. The game opened up in the second overtime and there were opportunities for both Portland and FGCU. In the end, defense would prevail and the game would end in a scoreless draw.
Portland's defense allowed just one shot on goal during the game, while Portland's offense was able to hit four on target.
The Pilots next make the trek to Tampa, Fla., where they will face the USF Bulls on Sunday. Kick off is set for 9:00 a.m. (Pacific).
Source: University of Portland Athletics
