Once again the Portland State women’s soccer team came up empty handed in the victory column.
The Vikings kicked off conference play against Sacramento State on Friday night, and fell 4-1.
Then on Sunday they were shut out, losing 2-0 against the University of San Francisco. The team remains optimistic for more league play to come.
“If we play like I know we can we’ll be a playoff contender in the Big Sky,” senior captain Stacey Storie said.
The Vikings were out-shot by a margin of 21-7, and beat on corner kicks 6-1 against Sacramento State. The Hornets were more aggressive on the offensive end, sinking four goals to PSU’s one by sophomore Melanie Langley. Langley tallied her second goal of the season to tie the score 1-1. But that wasn’t enough, and the Hornets continued to score the next three goals all in the second half to roll to victory. PSU goalkeeper Gretchen Pietras was able to save an impressive 11 shots.
On Sunday, the Vikings battled the Lady Dons of USF. The shots on goal were more equally matched in this game, 12-8, in favor of USF. But the Lady Dons did own the edge on corner kicks, 13-4. The Vikings played a great first half of defense, until three seconds remained in the half and USF forward Rebecca Shook drilled a 15-yard shot.
“Both goals came on mental lapses, though this was the first game all season I thought we played close to 90 minutes of a good game both mentally and physically,” Storie said.
In the second half with two minutes remaining in the game, the deal was sealed with a 10-yard blast, courtesy of junior forward Meghan Daly. The game was a physical one, as Portland State racked up 18 fouls. Pietras marked four more saves, including a spectacular penalty shot save. Opposing goalkeeper Stephanie Beall also had four saves for the shutout.
“We played a good game, we had good offense and defense, everybody really played their hearts out,” Storie said.
Visiting the Vikings this week will be Weber State and Idaho State. Idaho State stands at 7-4-1, while Weber State is at 5-7-1. The Vikings have been hit with the injury bug. There are many minor injuries which most players are playing through, and two major injuries occurred last week. Twins Angela and Victoria Upchurch both tore their ACL’s last week. Victoria was injured in practice on Tuesday and Angela in Sunday’s game at USF. Portland State will have to go into battle this week without the services of either senior. In addition, Storie will play with a hyperextended knee.
In search of a victory, this Friday the Vikings will play Weber State, then on Sunday they battle Idaho State. Both games are at the Tigard High Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
“If we play to our level, both of the games this week are winnable. It’ll give us a chance to turn things around,” Storie said.