Portland, Ore. - Despite outshooting its opponents by a final tally of 14-11, the Pacific Men's soccer team was edged, 2-1 by the Portland Pilots at Merlo Field on Sunday afternoon. After surrendering a second half goal, the Tigers equalized in the 68th minute as Collin Bettencourt found the back of the net in the midst of a steady rain. The hosts regained the lead with a late strike to sink the Tigers. Pacific falls to 1-14-1 on the season (0-5-1 WCC) while Portland is now 3-11-3 (1-5 WCC).

In a first half that was characterized by fruitless offensive chances, Pacific had a strong attempt in the 25th minute as a cross from Kalei Gallarde found the head of Gaku Lange, who saw his header chance sailed wide. In the 31st minute, Spencer Vue saw his shot attempt sail wide of the goal. A flurry of offensive salvos in the 36th minute were blocked by Portland's defense before Vue saw his long attempt in the 44th minute sail high.

As the team's headed for intermission, Curtis Goldsmith had collected one save while Pacific had managed five shots.

Both teams got on the board in the second half, and the Tigers had a chance to take the lead in the 47th minute. Esteban De La Torre shot from the top of the box on a play that sent Paul Christensen out of the goalmouth. The ball seemed destined to land in the back of the frame, but a Portland defender made an outstanding header save on the goal line to deny the Orange and Black a chance at the lead.

On their next offensive possession, it was the Pilots striking first as Hugo Rhoads found Jacob Hanlin with a cross across the box in the 49th minute. Hanlin finished from 2 yards out, past Goldsmith for a 1-0 lead to the hosts.

In the 68th minute, Vue broke free from the Portland defense and fired from the top of the box. His shot attempt was bobbled by the GK Christensen and Bettencourt was in position to redirect the attempt past the goal line, giving Pacific its first goal in West Coast Conference play this season and sending the Tiger bench into a celebration. The strike was also the first of Bettencourt's career, as the Elk Grove, Calif. product has seen an expanded role in his sophomore season.

Portand again broke the draw with a 79th minute goal. Brandon Zambrano was credited with an assist as he found Eddie Sanchez on the left wing inside the box. Sanchez fired from 16 yards away, past a diving Goldsmith and into the lower right corner of the net for a 2-1 lead.

Undaunted, Pacific kept up the offensive momentum as Blackmon wasted no time firing a shot that was saved by Christensen on the next Pacific possession. Spencer Vue fed Blackmon with a pass in the 80th minute, but Blackmon fell victim to sloppy field conditions, as the game was played in a driving rain for the majority of the second half. An 85th minute boot by De La Torre sailed wide for Pacific's final shot of the contest.

A Red card was issued to the Tigers Christian Aldama after a challenge on the right side of the field, close to the attacking side for Portland. Pacific was forced to try and make up the deficit down a man for the final four minutes plus and was unsuccessful, with a final offensive run failing to elicit a shot.

Head Coach Ryan Jorden said following the contest, "I was pleased with the effort and our performance today. I thought that we did a great job creating opportunites for ourselves but unfortuntely we conceded twice and it's the nature of this game that it's hard to manage the game from behind." 

Pacific will return home for Senior Day on Saturday, November 14th against Gonzaga. The match is slated to begin at 7:00 pm and a live video broadcast will be available via TheW.tv. Fans can also access live stats via PacificTigers.com

For the latest on the Pacific Men's Soccer team, be sure to follow @PacificMSoccer on Twitter or @Pacific_Soccer on Instagram.