PORTLAND, Ore. – The No. 4 Portland Pilots continued their unbeaten start with a win against the Denver Pioneers 3-2 Friday, improving to 6-0-1 on the season.
Efetobo Aror, Joe Highfield and David Ajagbe all scored on the night. It’s the first goal for Aror, the fifth for Highfield and fourth for Ajagbe. Their 6-0-1 record is the best to start the year for Portland since 1988 and it’s the first time they’ve gone unbeaten through seven games since 2022.
How it Happened
Portland opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a goal from Efetobo Aror. The midfielder collected it off the volley and sent it soaring to the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead. It’s Aror’s first goal of the year.
The Pilots followed that up with a goal in the 27th minute courtesy of Joe Highfield. Diego Rosas sent it into the box off the corner, with Highfield rising for the header and the score, his fifth of the year. The Pilots led 2-0 at the half.
Portland closed out the scoring in the 55th minute. David Ajagbe took the cross from Angel Martinez and fired it into the keeper. Denver mishandled the ball, leading to the goal. Denver scored twice in the final six minutes, but Portland held on for the 3-2 victory.
Game Notes
- Aror scored his first goal of the season for Portland. He’s the 10th Pilot to score a goal this season.
- Highfield scored his fifth goal of the season, a team high. His 12 goals through the first two seasons are the most by a Pilot in their first two seasons since Benji Michel in 2016-17.
- Ajagbe scored his fourth goal of the year.
- Their 6-0-1 start is the best by the Pilots since the 1988 season. It’s the first time they’ve gone unbeaten in the first seven games since 2022.
- Portland’s plus-19 goal differential through seven games is the best since the 2020/21 spring season and the best in a fall season since 1988.
- Portland holds a 17-game unbeaten streak that stretches back to last season. It’s the longest for the Pilots since 1988 and currently one of the longest in the nation.
- The Pilots are unbeaten in their last four matches against Denver (2-0-2).
Up Next
The Pilots are back home to open conference play against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The two teams will play on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for tickets, live stats and video options.
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