Second-Half Goals Lead Pilots Past Orange

Sunday, August 26

Portland, OR

10:30 PM

Syracuse University

1-1-0

Portland

1-0-1

Syracuse

Portland

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

8/27/2018 1:22:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. – Sophomore Tajon Buchanan scored his first goal of the year to give Syracuse an early lead, but Portland scored twice in the second half to record a 2-1 victory in men's soccer action on Sunday, Aug. 26.

"Both teams had chances but I thought we lacked a little bit of quality in the final third," said Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre. "I'm proud of our guys. It's not easy to come West. It was terrific to spend five days together and we learned a lot about each other, both on and off the field. Now, we'll go back home and get ready for our home opener next Sunday against Hofstra."

HOW IT WAS DECIDED
Portland (1-1) had some quality scoring chances early but it was Syracuse (1-1) that got on the scoreboard first. Junior Massimo Ferrin flicked a pass into the box to Buchanan, who cut back, then forward to beat his defender and put his shot in the left corner of the goal in the 26th minute.

The Pilots recorded the equalizer when Benji Michel scored off assists from Estaben Calvo and Luke Hendel. Portland took the lead in the 76th minute when Rey Ortiz converted a penalty kick, getting his shot past a diving Hendrik Hilpert.

The Orange continued to press forward and had one final chance to tie the game, but Ferrin's shot with his back to the goal with two seconds remaining went just wide, giving the Pilots the victory.

UP NEXT
Syracuse has a week off before taking on Hofstra in its home opener on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. at the SU Soccer Stadium. Admission and parking are free.