The Portland State women’s soccer team can pat themselves on the back for a successful weekend. Much credit can go to the defense of the Vikings, recording not only two shutouts, but also two victories to improve the team’s record to 6-2-3. On Friday night, Portland State beat Wyoming at Tigard Soccer Complex, 1-0. Then on Sunday, the Vikings took it to Air Force, winning 2-0.
“Our defense played awesome this weekend versus both teams and was really the key to our success,” midfielder Julie Forrest said.
The first of two games this weekend started out at Tigard Soccer Complex versus the University of Wyoming. In a game that involved mostly defense, Portland State came out on top. The goal came in the second half, 61st minute. From about 18 yards away, Julie Forrest chipped a shot into the upper-left-hand corner over the outstretched hands of Wyoming’s goalkeeper Lori Schneider. The goal was assisted by fellow midfielder Megan Plinski.
“We had the advantage in possession for most of the match, and our hard work finally paid off,” head coach Tara Bilanski said in a recent press release.
����� ���Portland State took a total of seven shots on goal. Schneider recorded six saves for the night. Viking’s goalie Joell Giger saved all three shots on goal allowed by Vikings defense.
Sunday’s game featured more of Portland State’s defense. The Vikings defense only allowed Air Force to fire two shots on goal, and Giger saved both for her second consecutive shutout. Portland State’s offense scored twice in this match. The first goal came about 12 minutes in, when Midfielder Katie Miyake got on the board with her fifth goal of the season. Megan Plinski picked up another assist, her second in two games.
Julie Forrest scored not long after, with both goals in the game coming in the first half. Carly Sawhill gave Forrest a perfect cross, setting her up for the goal and getting the assist. Sawhill played important minutes in the first half when midfielder Annie Peccia was injured temporarily and had to go out.
“Our team was flowing and really working together. We were able to control the ball on both sides with our defense,” Forrest said.
Next up for the Vikings will be the University of Oregon on Friday in Eugene. Next Sunday, the Vikings will return home to PGE Park to take on New Mexico.