PORTLAND, Ore. — The 8-seed Portland Pilots played an instant classic playoff match on Sunday, taking down the Denver Pioneers in penalty kicks 5-4 after tying through the overtime periods 2-2. The Pilots advance now to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship for the first time since 2022, the second time under head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt and the sixth time in program history.
Joe Highfield and Diego Rosas both scored goals in regulation. Highfield’s goal came on a penalty kick and was his 10th of the year while Rosas scored his second goal of the year. Miguel-Angel Hernandez had five saves on the day and posted an assist, with his assist giving Portland the program record for assists in a season at 55.
How it Happened
The Pioneers opened the scoring with a PK early in the third minute, putting Portland at an early deficit. The Pilots got their equalizer off a penalty kick themselves, drawing a foul in the box in the 20th minute. Joe Highfield put it away for his 10th goal of the year and to make it 1-1 at the half.
Portland took the lead in the 65th minute off a goal from Diego Rosas. Miguel-Angel Hernandez pushed it forward on a long kick to Diego Rosas, who gathered the ball and pushed it right before launching it at the goal. Rosas scored, giving Portland the 2-1 lead.
Denver tied it in the 77th minute to make it 2-2 at Merlo Field, a score that held through overtime. Neither team gained the advantage in an even contest through the final 20 minutes, with the score still tied, leading to penalty kicks. Denver and Portland both made their first penalty kicks. With Denver’s second kick, Hernandez dove for the deflection and batted it away to put Portland at an advantage.
Both teams made the rest of their kicks, with the fifth kick being the decider for Portland. David Ajagbe knocked in the final PK on the fifth kick to give Portland the win.
Game Notes
- Highfield’s goal was his 10th of the year. Him and Ajagbe are the first Pilot teammates to score 10 goals each in a season since 2001.
- Rosas scored his second goal of the season.
- Miguel-Angel Hernandez is the first goalkeeper for the Pilots to earn an assist since 2021.
- The assist from Hernandez broke the record for the Pilots for assists in a season.
- Portland has defeated the Pioneers twice this season.
- This is the first time the Pilots have advanced past the second round of the tournament since 2022, the second time under head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt and the sixth time in program history.
- This is the 20th win in program history in the playoffs for Portland. It’s the first win in penalty kicks in the playoffs for Portland.
- This is head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt’s sixth win in the NCAA Tournament.
Up Next
The Pilots play the Grand Canyon Antelopes next, hosting the ‘Lopes on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. here at Merlo Field. Tickets are available now at PortlandPilots.com/NCAASoccer, with live stats and video available at PortlandPilots.com as well.
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