University of Washington
8-1-0
Portland
7-2-0
13th-Ranked UW Women's Soccer Squad Finally Beats No. 21 Portland
September 23, 2000 | Women's Soccer
Sept. 23, 2000
PORTLAND, Ore. - Senior Tami Bennett assisted on the first goal and then scored the game-winner Saturday as the 13th-ranked Washington women's soccer team snapped a 10-game losing streak against No. 21 Portland with a 2-1 victory at Merlo Field.
The Huskies (8-1) recorded their first ever win against the Pilots after coming away with a tie and 10 losses in the previous 11 meetings. Portland (7-2) lost for only the second time this season. The first defeat was a 1-0 decision against top-ranked Notre Dame.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hope Solo literally saved the game for the Huskies who were outshot 19-12. The Richland (Wash.) High School graduate registered 10 saves, including several diving stops that denied point-blank Portland scoring chances. Solo was one of four goalkeepers that trained with the U.S. National Team this summer, but she was not selected for the Olympic team roster that included only two goalies.
Cheryl Loveless had six saves for the Pilots who surrendered as many goals to the Huskies as they did against their first eight opponents combined.
Junior Erin Otagaki opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, giving Washington a 1-0 lead it would maintain through the first half. Otagaki capitalized on a miscommunication among three UP defenders, accepting a centering pass from Bennett in front of the goal and depositing it into the net at 31:14.
Bennett pushed the lead to 2-0 with an unassisted goal at 50:29. The Seattle Christian High School product gained possession of the ball behind the Pilot defense and beat Loveless with a shot to the near post. It was the 26th career goal for Bennett, drawing her within one of Tara Bilanski's (1992-95) Washington scoring record of 27.
Portland drew within 2-1 at 73:34 on an Erin Misaki header of a Lauren Orlandos cross. The Huskies denied every UP scoring opportunity over the final 16 minutes sparked by Solo's stellar goalkeeping.
The Huskies, who played their last seven games on the road, return to Seattle to play at home for the first time in a month. They host Gonzaga on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Husky Soccer Field.
NCAA Women's Soccer
(#13) Washington 2, (#21) Portland 1
Merlo Field, Portland, Ore.
Scoring
--1, Washington, Erin Otagaki (Tami Bennett), 31:14. 2, Washington, Bennett, 50:29. 3, Portland, Erin Misaki (Lauren Orlandos), 73:34.
Shots - Washington 12, Portland 19.
Saves -- Washington 10 (Hope Solo), Portland 6 (Cheryl Loveless).
Corner Kicks -- Washington 5, Portland 6.
Fouls -- Washington 9, Portland 12.
Attendance - 1032.
Team Stats
Erin Otagaki
Assisted By: Tami Bennett
31:14
Tami Bennett
50:29
Erin Misaki
Assisted By: Lauren Orlandos
73:34
