Pilots start off with impressive fan support

The Portland Pilots didn't win their men's soccer season opener Friday night - or even score, but they showed off the fan support that might play a key role in a deep playoff run.

Portland and Cal played to a scoreless draw at Merlo Field, but the several hundred students that showed up, many having just moved to campus dorms, made plenty of noise throughout the match and gave the team plenty of hope this will be the season it wins the program's first title.

"Everyone is talking about the men's soccer team, that's something we've worked hard to build up," coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said afterward. "When you win you have that mindset that winning is contagious. When you have a vision that's scary and bold that's a really good vision.

"We've gotten the fans back, and that's to the players' credit."

The crowd listed at 3,234 according to the university with a sizable number of Cal fans attending as well on the beautiful summer night. The Pilots have played to a larger home crowd only nine other times in the past 25 seasons. They'll have an opportunity to make some national noise before returning to play at home again, Sept. 5 against Wisconsin.

Portland plays at top-ranked and defending national champion Washington Thursday, and then travels to New Jersey to play at No. 8 Princeton on Aug. 31.

The Pilots open the season ranked No. 6 in the first United Soccer Coaches poll, earning that recognition with their quality returning crew and incoming roster depth. Portland has been to the Elite Eight twice in the past four seasons, and played three playoff matches at home last season. Carlin-Voigt begins his 10th year with the team.

The scoreboard didn't register a goal, but the Pilots hit the crossbar twice and had four shots that needed saves. Portland had a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks and seemed on the verge of scoring through much of the contest, especially in the final 10 minutes when the crowd made the stands thunder in appreciation.

Senior Forward Anton Hjalmarsson had a pair of shots on goal, and senior Diego Rosas, who was voted Midfielder of the Year in the West Coast Conference last season, had a shot on goal as well.

"We're so happy to be on the field again in front of the fans," said senior forward Joe Highfield, who was a third-team All-American last year. "We've put in so many hard runs, so many early mornings the past nine months, it's just great to be back. Our goal is to win the national championship, and we think we have the team to do it."

"We have a lot of depth," Rosas said. "We have a lot of guys who can play a lot of positions. That's going to be really good for us."

Portland is set to play seven other home games this season.

The Pilots women's team has eight home games scheduled as well beginning Sept. 10 against Portland State.

HOME GAMES

SEPTEMBER

5. Wisconsin

13. Oregon State

19. New Hampshire

26. Loyola-Marymount

30. St. Mary's

OCTOBER

17. Denver

24. Santa Clara

NOVEMBER

11-14. West Coast Conference Tournament

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