Jimmy Sheldrup |
The Pilots hosted No. 9 Michigan State in front of a crowd of 4,596 on Friday.
From the get-go, Michigan’s Spartans played aggressively, pushing the pace at any possible opportunity. They played with the swagger of a top-ranked team and ultimately defeated the Pilots 1-0.
The Pilots played more methodically in the early game, trying to control the tempo.
Forward Joey Jones was the only freshman on the field for the Pilots. But not even he, in his first official game as a Pilot, was fazed in the early stages.
In minute 26, sophomore Erik Edwardson beautifully set up Brandon Zambrano for a shot, but Michigan St. goalkeeper Zach Bennett corralled the line drive.
Not even a minute later, Paul Christensen deflected a Spartan shot on goal.
By minute 35, it was obvious that Portland had taken the momentum and was applying the pressure on the Spartans. The first half went scoreless on both ends.
Coming into the second half, Michigan St. again ratcheted up the intensity with an early shot on goal. Christensen made the save.
By minute 65, Michigan St. reclaimed the momentum and was flexing their muscles, keeping the ball on Portland’s side of the field.
Michigan St. was awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the 74th minute. Christensen blocked the initial shot, but off the deflection, Zach Carroll was able to score and give Michigan St. a 1-0 lead.
In the 76th minute, Zambrano fed Jacob Hanlin for a potential equalizer, but it was wide left.
Despite the loss, Christensen said playing against a highly ranked team gave the Pilots confidence.
“It’s not the result we wanted, we obviously wanted to win. But I think we showed that we can play with anyone,” Christensen said.
The Pilots will resume action at home against Marquette on Sunday at 1 p.m. Jimmy Sheldrup is a sports reporter for The Beacon. He can be reached at sheldrup18@up.edu or on Twitter @CJSheldrup
