PORTLAND, Ore. — In a prime time matchup to close out the regular season, the Saint Mary’s men’s soccer team applied consistent pressure in the second half, but ultimately fell short, 1-0 to this year’s West Coast Conference champions Portland.
SMC needed a win at Merlo Field, coupled with a Pacific draw or loss to claim the WCC title.
The Gaels (8-8-3, 4-3 WCC) outshot the Pilots (12-5-1, 6-1 WCC) 9-8 in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. Portland had the 15-13 shot advantage for the match.
The Pilots got on the board at the 5:17 mark off Matthew Coffey’s first goal of the season.