8legs: Joe highfield

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Portland Pilots turn a late substitution into NCAA men’s soccer playoff win over Grand Canyon

Portland Grabs a 1-0 NCAA Tournament win over Grand Canyon at Merlo Field, advancing to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in program history and second under Nick Carlin-Voigt.
Joe Highfield, a late-entry substitute, delivered the decisive goal just 34 seconds after entering the match, sealing Portland's win in the 80th minute.
Diego Rosas assisted Highfield for the game-winner, extending his season-long assist total to a program single-season record with 15 assists.
Portland's defense secured a clean sheet with Miguel-Angel Hernandez making key saves to preserve the 1-0 victory.
Portland improved to 14-1-4 on the year, marking a historic season with a program-record number of home wins (12).
The victory sends Portland to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the fourth time overall, and the program's second under Carlin-Voigt.
The Sweet 16 matchup at Merlo Field underlines Portland's home-field advantage in the NCAA tournament run.
Highfield's 11th goal of the season highlighted Portland's offensive production, with Rosas guiding the attack as the primary playmaker.
The official postgame notes also emphasize Rosas' 15th assist, a program single-season record set during the win.
The upcoming NCAA Quarterfinal pits Portland against Furman, with the winner earning a home playoff date on Dec. 5.
The new reference confirms the late-game drama: a back-and-forth match with discipline issues, a missed penalty, and a decisive late goal by Highfield.

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