Box Score STOCKTON, Calif. – In a West Coast Conference matchup at Knoles Field on Sunday, the University of the Pacific Men's Soccer team picked up its first victory of the season (1-4-0, 1-1-0 WCC) by defeating Portland (1-2-0, 0-1-0 WCC), 2-1.
 
GOAL SUMMARY

• Pacific took a 1-0 lead in the 19^th minute on a header from midfielder Avery Whipple. Setting up the goal for Whipple with an assist each was Diego Villapudua and Samuel Saiz Herraiz.  
• In the 51^st minute, midfielder Samuel Villalta took a rebound and put the ball into the net to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Saiz Herraiz had his second assist on the day by taking the initial shot that was saved.
• The Pilots did score an unassisted goal in the 72^nd minute from Buba Fofanah, but did not score an equalizer despite three more shots for Portland.

NOTABLE STATS

• Whipple's goal was the first of his career. With the goal, he now leads Pacific in points for the season with three.
• Scoring his first goal as a member of the Tigers was Villalta.
• Cory Johnson led Pacific in shots on Sunday with three.
• In net, Eric Cotton picked up his first career win, making four saves.
• Leading the Pilots in shots with four was Alejandro Pereira.

POSTGAME QUOTES
 
Samuel Villalta about scoring the eventual game-winning goal and the Tigers' win:
"I saw the ball. I knew that was my opportunity. I wanted to give the victory to the team, so happy for that. And hopefully we can keep winning because we deserve it. We train so hard."
 
Pacific head coach Adam Reeves following the victory:
"Very proud of this group. They have endured so much over the last months. To only have 15 field players available and get a result is awesome. They are slowly learning the value of being detail oriented and that nothing is given to you, it has to be earned. If we can be consistent with this mentality, we can do something special. The entire group deserves recognition for today."
 
UP NEXT
 
The Tigers will look for their second consecutive win on Sunday, March 14 when they host Santa Clara. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. from Knoles Field, as it will be the final of four straight home matches.
 
FOLLOW US
 
For more information on the Pacific men's soccer, be sure to follow the program on Twitter and Instagram @PacificMSoccer and on Facebook @PacificMensSoccer.