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sports1d ago
Portland Pilots turn a late substitution into NCAA men’s soccer playoff win over Grand Canyon
Oregonlive.com and 2 more
- 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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