HILLSBORO, Ore. – Portland State’s women’s soccer team fell short of a comeback against the University of Hawai’i on Thursday afternoon, losing 2-1 to the Rainbow Wahine at Hillsboro Stadium.
The Vikings dropped to 1-4-2 on the season, while Hawai’i improved to 3-2-0.
The Vikings’ offensive attack lit up the score sheet, notching a season-high 18 shots while earning six corner kicks, doubling their previous season-high.
The ‘Bows capitalized on their first attack opportunity of the day, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 14th minute. Riding the momentum, the ‘Bows struck again 24 seconds later, tapping in a deflected shot to grab a 2-0 lead. Hawai’i held on to the two-goal advantage for the remainder of the half, despite facing six Viking shots in the final 20 minutes.
PSU emerged from the break energized, pressing hard in the opening minutes before a Hawai’i foul sent Abi Hoffman to the penalty mark in the 50th minute. The Viking’s goal leader made the ‘Bows pay, drilling her third penalty kick of the season to cut into their lead. PSU’s attack came up empty-handed despite a flurry of shots in the final minutes as the ‘Bows held firm to pull off the victory.
Enya Hernandez started in goal for Portland State, tallying five saves before Sidney O’billovich took over at the break. The Viking’s defense made great strides in the second half, limiting Hawai’i to just three shots in the final 45 minutes of action. The Vikings held an 18-10 shot advantage as Hoffman led the way with four. Sienna Higinbotham, Kalo Iongi, Hailey Green, Sydney Watson and Leah Heugly each logged a full 90 minutes on the pitch.
The Vikings will return to action this Sunday, Sept. 11, to take on North Dakota. Kickoff is slated for 11:05 a.m. at Hillsboro Stadium.