Originally from Anthem, Arizona, freshman MJ Roe has found a second home in Portland, and more specifically on Merlo Field. Previously, Roe played on pitches from Arizona to the Netherlands with the U.S. U-19 team.
However, among all her soccer memories, scoring her first collegiate goal is an experience she will treasure forever. And it came on Merlo Field on Sept. 8, a 47th-minute game-winner against Denver University that pushed the Pilots to a 2-1 victory.
“I can’t even explain how it felt to score my first collegiate goal! That was a moment I will never forget,” Roe said in an email. “When I saw that the ball had beat the keeper and everyone started running towards me and hugging me and cheering extra loud! I felt so supported and excited in that moment, and I hope to have many more moments like it in my future!”
Portland needs a strong scoring attack going into West Coast Conference play, and Roe plans to play a big role. Only weeks into her freshman season she is setting her sights on improving and playing significant minutes for the Pilots.
“My goal for my freshman season is to become a threat for scoring and punch in many more goals,” Roe said. “Overall, I hope to really use this year as a learning opportunity and take in as much from our seniors before they leave us. I am extremely excited for what my freshman year has in store for me!”
Roe and company will next travel play San Jose State University on Friday, Sept. 20.
Jamison White is a sports reporter for The Beacon. He can be reached at whitej20@up.edu.
