The game was well played on both sides and was a defensive showdown
throughout. While Portland had more opportunities, Washington managed
several dangerous chances in the Portland end in the first half as well.
Both goalkeepers had several saves to keep the first half score 0-0.
Washington goalkeeper, Tina Thompson (Pac-10 first team), had two
spectacular saves on beautiful Portland attacks in the first half and the
teams went to the locker room with the game open to either team in the
second half.
Again in the second half, both teams had good opportunities with Portland
goalkeeper, Erin Fahey, showing well and Washington keeper, Thompson
remaining strong in denying the UP attack. In the 81st minute, UP
freshman Kim Engesser found Shannon MacMillan from the right wing.
MacMillan made a great 1st touch on the ball in the middle of the field
and from 18 yards out, bent the ball under an advancing Thompson for a
1-0 UP lead.
Washington pushed forward and with 36 seconds remaining, Washington
forward Erin Saltzman was obstructed as she made a slicing move between
the last two UP defenders on a run to goal with the ball. Washington was
awarded the free kick 20 yards out at the top of the box. UW senior,
Tara Bilanski hit a blistering shot into the upper corner of the UP goal
for what appeared to be the tying goal. Unfortunately (for us Huskies)
the call had been obstruction - an indirect foul - and no one had touched
the ball prior to Bilanski's bomb. The clock expired after UP's restart
for the 1-0 Pilot victory.
Portland has an excellent team, and will do well in the tournament. As
for the game, it was well played by both teams and could have gone either
way, but the stronger team overall did come away with the win.
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