Portland State Kicks Off Big Sky Play with Resilience
The Portland State women’s soccer team began their Big Sky Conference journey with a thrilling 1-1 draw against Eastern Washington University at the EWU Soccer Field on Friday. This result extended the Vikings’ unbeaten streak to three matches, improving their general record to 2-5-2. Both teams now hold a 0-0-1 conference record, with Eastern Washington’s general standing at 5-4-2.
Late-Game Heroics Define Portland State’s Season
Resilience has been a hallmark of Portland State’s season, and Friday’s game was no exception. Both teams remained deadlocked for much of the match until the 77th minute when Eastern Washington capitalized on a penalty kick. After a foul in the box, forward Kendall Moore stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
However, the Vikings responded swiftly, showcasing their determination. Just three minutes later, freshman Grace Sarabia delivered a precise long ball into the Eagles’ penalty area. Misjudging the trajectory, the Eastern Washington goalkeeper allowed the ball to fall to Elle Frazier, who netted her third goal of the season. Sarabia’s assist marked a memorable first in her collegiate career.
Defensive Efforts and Goalkeeping Excellence
Portland State’s goalkeeper, Eden Millan, delivered an exceptional performance, registering a career-high 12 saves. Her efforts were critical in withstanding Eastern Washington’s 23-shot offensive barrage, the highest number of shots faced by a Viking goalkeeper since 2021. On the offensive side, Portland State tallied 20 shots, with six on target. Forward Aliayha Saldana led the team’s attack with four attempts, the most by any Viking player.
Portland State Women’s Soccer Vs. Eastern Washington (image via Getty)Also Read- The Rise and Resilience of Derrick Rose: A Basketball Journey
Looking Ahead: Portland State vs. University of Idaho
The Vikings now shift focus to their next Big Sky challenge—a road game against the University of Idaho. The match is set for Sunday, September 29th, at 1:00 PM in the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho. Both teams will be searching for their first conference win, making this an exciting contest to watch.
Key Takeaways from Portland State’s Draw
- Unyielding Resilience: The Vikings have developed a reputation for delivering clutch, late-game goals. Their ability to equalize quickly after conceding demonstrates their tenacity and focus under pressure.
- Outstanding Goalkeeping: Eden Millan’s record-setting 12 saves were instrumental in keeping Portland State in the game. Her performance underscores her importance as a key player for the team.
- Defensive Toughness: Despite conceding 23 shots, the Vikings’ defense held firm, aided significantly by Millan’s heroics.
- Creating Opportunities: With 20 shots taken, Portland State showcased their ability to generate offensive chances. Improved finishing will be essential as they face more competitive opponents.
