Syracuse University
No. 4 Portland
Bellingham Joins Top 10 Against Portland
9/5/2010 4:26:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SEATTLE, Wash. –Senior Megan Bellingham scored her first goal of the season to give the Orange an early lead, but Syracuse couldn't hold on in a 3-1 setback against No. 4 Portland in the second round of the Husky/Nike Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 5. SU is now 1-3-2 on the season, while Portland improves to 6-0.
With the goal, Bellingham moved into a tie for 10th place on Syracuse's career goals scored leader list. She now has 11 goals in her career, matching Shana Thomas' total from 2003-04.
Bellingham's goal came in the 21st minute off of a free kick, which gave the Orange a 1-0 lead. Portland tied the score in the 28th minute when Sophie Schmidt found the back of the net off an assist from Danielle Foxhoven. Freshman Brittany Anghel started in goal for Syracuse and recorded four saves in the first half as the teams entered the locker room tied, 1-1, at halftime.
The Pilots took their first lead of the game in the 55th minute when Taylor Brooke scored on a low shot to the right side of the goal off an assist from Elli Reed. Portland added to its lead in the 68th minute when Micaela Capelle netted her first goal of the season off an assist from Schmidt. The Orange had a chance to cut the lead in half in the 87th minute, but Kayla Afonso's shot hit the post, and Portland held on for the 3-1 victory.
“I asked the players to execute a game plan and, for the most part, they did that,” Syracuse head coach Phil Wheddon said. “We had a couple of defensive breakdowns that resulted in goals. We stacked up well against one of the best times in the country. We competed for 90 minutes and I'm proud of the players' effort. It's a good preparation for the BIG EAST portion of our schedule. It's disappointing to come away with two losses this weekend, but it's a learning and growing process. If we can put 90 minutes together with minimal breakdowns, we will be in good shape.”
Anghel finished with five saves, which tied her career high she set on Friday against Washington. Erin Dees recorded one save for Portland. The Pilots recorded 19 shots and three corner kicks, while Syracuse had four shots and earned one corner kick.
Despite playing on the opposite coast, the Orange was well-represented in the stands.
"We had many parents who came a long way to see us play," Wheddon said. "We can't thank them enough for their continued support. We hope that they will continue to come and see us play because they give us a tremendous lift."
The Orange will take on two in-state foes next weekend. Syracuse plays at Albany on Friday before hosting Binghamton on Sunday at the SU Soccer Stadium.
