The Portland Pilots Men’s soccer team was dealt a tough blow as they lost in double overtime to the University of Pittsburgh on Saturday, Dec. 3. This loss marked their final of the season as they are now out of the NCAA tournament.
“We stuck around, never made excuses and never stopped fighting while creating chances to win the game. head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. “In OT we had a few chances to score and leave 1-0 winners, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Though the team lost, this is the first time since 1995 that Portland has made it to the Elite Eight round of the tournament. This is also the highest win total since that same year.
Graduate student George Tasouris sends a goal kick upfield.
Photo credit: University of Portland Athletics, Matt Keenan
The game was largely even throughout with both teams finding opportunities. Goalkeeper George Tasouris kept Portland in the game with 10 saves. This was the most by a keeper since Austin Guerro in 2010.
While both teams were finding shots Pittsburgh was relentless. The Pilots found eight shots total with two of them on goal. Pittsburgh on the other hand got off 32 shots, 11 of them on goal.
The game seemed to be going to penalties until in the 104th minute when Valentin Noel found the back of the net for the Panthers.
“My overall feeling is one of gratitude for this group of players who made this year historic in so many ways,” Carlin-Voigt said.
Head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt addresses the team.
Photo credit: University of Portland Athletics, Matt Keenan
Portland also finished the season undefeated at home, winning 11 games, this tied the 1989 season for the most home wins in a full season.
Wilder Isom is the Sports Editor at The Beacon. She can be reached at isomw24@up.edu
