Jimmy Sheldrup |
The Pilots came back from a two-point deficit to beat the Vermont Catamounts 3-2 and break a three-game losing streak on Sunday at Merlo Field.
“We had to get a result, or we felt that we would continue to slide,” junior midfielder Thomas Peterson said. “This is the day we turn the season around.”
To try and get some positive results, the Pilots switched up their starting lineup. Freshman Jackson Jellah and sophomore Jacob Hanlin replaced Erik Edwardson and Brandon Zambrano on offense.
The early game was marked by feisty play. Portland committed 18 fouls to Vermont’s 20 and seven yellow cards were assigned.
Vermont took the lead on a free kick by Jaime Miralles in the 25th minute. Fifteen minutes later, Vermont scored again off a throw-in, extending their lead to two, which they took into halftime.
The Pilots cut the lead in half in the 55th minute, thanks to an assist from senior Hugo Rhoads to Peterson. The Pilots evened the game up in the 68th minute courtesy of a second goal by Peterson. These were the first goals of the season for Peterson.
Senior Eddie Sanchez lasered a shot into the back corner in the 75th minute, putting the Pilots up 3-2. Portland dominated shots on goal in the second half, putting up eight shots to Vermont’s three.
The Pilots will host their next home game Sept. 17 against Oregon State.
Jimmy Sheldrup is a sports reporter for The Beacon. He can be contacted at sheldrup18@up.edu or @CJSheldrup.
