PORTLAND, OR - Making its first trip to the State of Oregon since 2014, Siena Men's Soccer made the 3,000-mile journey to "Soccer City, USA" to take on the Portland Pilots. The Pilots, who received votes in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, scored two goals apiece in each half for a 4-0 victory over the Saints from Merlo Field on Friday evening.
Portland out-shot Siena 16-8 (7-2 on goal) and held a 7-4 edge on corners.
Sean Kelly and
Jonathan Nilsson logged the team's two shots on goal, while
Bennet Glinder made four saves in goal.
Ismail Dia registered the first shot of the match, which came early in the match in the fourth minute. The Pilots controlled their offensive zone for the majority of the ensuing 10 minutes while putting up four shots - three of which were blocked by the Siena defense. However, Portland struck late in the 13th minute on a Joe Highfield goal for an early 1-0 lead.
Portland climbed out to a 2-0 lead in the 27th minute on Highfield's second goal of the evening- this one a header from inside the box - which was also assisted by Diego Rosas. With just over a minute left in the first,
Mark Cajamarca attempted another shot for the Saints, but it sailed high as the Green and Gold went into halftime down two.
Alex Waggoner extended Portland's lead to 3-0 less than three minutes out of the break, while an own goal 49 seconds later made it a 4-0 contest. The Saints attempted five shots in the second half - out-shooting the Pilots 5-3 over the final 45 minutes - but Portland goalkeeper Miguel-Angel Hernandez saved the lone shot on target for the clean sheet.
The Saints return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 3, to host FDU in their home opener. Kickoff from Hickey Field is set for 5 p.m.
