Huskies Drop Season Opener At Portland

Friday, August 19

Portland, Ore.

7:00 PM

University of Washington

0-1-0

Portland

1-0-0

Washington

Portland

August 19, 2016 | Women's Soccer

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PORTLAND, Ore. – The Washington Huskies dropped their 2016 season opener on the road today, falling to Portland 2-1 after they were unable to respond to a Pilot goal in the 64th minute of play.

"Obviously I'm disappointed with the result today," said head coach Lesle Gallimore. "I thought we created enough chances to go ahead in the game."

The two teams came out trading shots, with possession going back and forth until the 18th minute when Larkin Russell of Portland scored from the top of the box. However, the Huskies were able to respond within a minute of play as the Dawgs drew a foul in front of the goal, giving Shannon Simon the penalty kick, which she put in the back of the net to tie the game 1-1.

"I was happy with our response after Portland's goal, I think we did a good job to earn that free kick," said Gallimore.

The Pilots and Huskies then traded a pair of crossbar-hitting chances, as Kimberly Keever nearly followed Simon's penalty kick with a goal of her own. The Huskies lead the Pilots in both corner kicks and shots in the first half.

"The shot count was definitely in our favor and we had chances," said Gallimore. "We hit the crossbar once and had a shot we didn't bury but I thought we threatened them enough."

As the second half began, the Huskies came out applying pressure as Rachel Wheeler had a shot within the first minute of play. However with the Huskies continuing to apply pressure, the Pilots' counter attack lead to a goal by Hannah Griffiths Boston on a cross in the 68th minute.

With the Huskies putting on the pressure for the reminder of the game, they were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle blew.

"Portland is a really good team and they have a great atmosphere so I was happy to kick off the season against them," said Gallimore. "They're a smart team and they kept the ball away from us when they needed to, so we have to work on that if we go down a goal away again."

The Huskies finished with 15 shots to Portland's seven, and were able to draw seven corners with Portland only taking three. Last year's duo of Keever and Simon led the Husky attack today, each taking two shots on goal.

"With a goal keeper, two center backs and midfielders that are learning from each other, I thought we did a good job today," said Gallimore. "There are all types of things we can take away from this game but I thought there were more bright spots tonight than not."

The Huskies return home for an exhibition on Sunday August 21st against Trinity Western at 1 p.m., with the first 200 fans receiving free tickets to Washington's regular season home opener against Santa Clara on August 28th.