University of Washington
4-1-3, 0-0Pac-12
Portland
2-4-2, 0-0WCC
Dawgs and Pilots Conclude In 0-0 Draw
September 28, 2015 | Men's Soccer
SEATTLE – No. 10 Washington responded from its first loss of the season with one its best efforts of the year, but could not find a goal, despite a myriad of chances. Instead the Dawgs settled for a 0-0 draw with Portland on a sunny, but chilly afternoon and Husky Soccer Field.
For the game, the Dawgs had 32 shots to just 12 for Portland, while also holding a 12-4 edge in corners. This led to chance after chance for the Huskies, but none that found the back of the net. Paul Christensen of Portland made nine saves, more than one robbing Henry Wingo who was the most dangerous player on the field.
Wingo had eight shots for the game, including four on goal, but could get one past Christensen. Wingo nearly scored a fantastic free kick in the first half, but Christensen made the diving save. His bending ball from the left side from about 25 yards appeared as it would sneak inside the near post until the final moment.
In the second half, Wingo took a deflection off a Justin Schmidt free kick and one-touched it on goal, but the save was made. Later, he fired from 25 yards, again on goal, but another save was made.
His final chance came in overtime when he decided to go low and to the far post on a shot from just outside the box, but again Christensen was up for the challenge.
It was not just Wingo with chances on goal as Kyle Coffee also took eight shots, while Josh Heard forced Christensen into a pair of saves. David Coly, Danny Gavin and Mason Robertson also took their turns up top and had opportunities.
Despite the lack of a finish, it was an encouraging game for the Dawgs who controlled possession throughout. The Dawgs pressured Portland for 110 minutes, making it tough for the Pilots to keep the ball. Once Washington turned over Portland, the Huskies would setup their opportunity and although they could not find the goal the sheer number of chances was a season best.
Defensively, the Dawgs earned their sixth shutout of the season, although this one came with some new faces along the backline. Steven Wright, Jose Ocampo and Garret Jackson all saw time along with Schmidt and Quentin Pearson who have played every game.
Ryan Herman was not tested often in goal, but did make a couple of tough saves to earn his fifth shutout of the year. Overall, he made five saves and now has 29 on the season.
The tie with Portland concludes non-conference play with the Dawgs having a record of 4-1-3. Washington will now enter Pac-12 play with the opener against San Diego State on Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. at Husky Soccer Field. It begins a two-game home weekend that also includes UCLA on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live on the Pac-12 Networks.
