WCC Women's Soccer: #6 Portland 1 - Saint Mary's 0

Schmidt, Lopez and freshman midfielder Keelin Winters each tallied three shots to lead the Pilots.

Stephanie Lopez Photo courtesy: UP Athletics

MORAGA, Calif. - University of Portland senior defender Stephanie Lopez tallied an 83rd minute strike as the No. 6 Pilots women’s soccer team held off a pesky Saint Mary’s Gaels squad 1-0 Friday afternoon at Saint Mary’s Stadium.

The Pilots (10-3-0, 2-0-0 WCC) outshot the Gaels (6-6-2, 0-2-0) 13-2 in the match, but were held scoreless until Lopez netted her first goal of the season.

After the Pilots earned a free kick just outside the penalty box on the right side, Lopez stepped up and curled her left-footed shot to the low left, past Saint Mary’s goalkeeper Tara Larson.

It was the second career goal for Lopez, who appeared in just her third match for the Pilots since returning from the Women’s World Cup in China.

The goal provided relief for the Pilots after a frustrating match with many opportunities that came up empty. Larson did her part in goal for the Gaels, recording seven saves in the match.

“Saint Mary’s made it difficult on us today with lots of numbers on the defensive half,” Portland coach Garrett Smith said. “Our patience and maturity really came through today and we were able to finally get one. This was a tough pitch to play on, but our team showed great composure and came away with a good result.”

The Pilots nearly scored early on as freshman phenom Sophie Schmidt turned and cracked a 10-yard attempt in the third minute off of the right post.

Schmidt, Lopez and freshman midfielder Keelin Winters each tallied three shots to lead the Pilots.

Portland would finish the first half with a 7-1 advantage in shots and 4-0 edge in corner kicks, but the score remained 0-0 at intermission.

Freshman goalkeeper Hailee DeYoung was not forced to make a save in earning her second shutout of the season and fifth overall for the team.

The Pilots will look to remain undefeated in conference when they travel to San Francisco and face the Dons on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.

Source: UP Athletics

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