Soccer is on top at PSU

The Portland State soccer team is now 9-4-3 overall and 2-1-0 in the Big Sky Conference in 2002. The team is setting a standard for other teams at Portland State to compete to be on top. For now, bragging rights go to the women’s soccer program for turning around from a one-win season last year.

“It’s nice to be in contention to lead the Big Sky Conference because we were picked to tie for last in the preseason polls,” said senior Becky Blum.

The Vikings are leading their opponents this season in many categories, taking 16.7 shots per game and only allowing 10.2 from opponents. The team defense of the Vikings has been instrumental in pulling out victories. From last season’s stats, the Vikings have already beat most of their totals in main categories such as shots taken, goals scored and goals against.

“It feels good to be leading in a couple categories in conference,” Blum said.

The team has gathered 34 assists, to only 18 from opponents.

PGE Park and Tigard Soccer Complex have treated the Vikings well, leaving the home record at 5-1-1 thus far.

“Our team is now considered dangerous on the field, instead of a team that might be walked over by our opponents,” Blum said.

The Vikings hope they can keep adding to their winning ways and continue to build on the records they’re setting.

The biggest goal, of course, is to get to the Big Sky championship. Head coach Tara Bilanski-Erickson has made her team into a conference contender. Many may have thought it was impossible at the end of last season, but right now it looks easily achievable with this young group of talent.

“With wins comes confidence and increased team moral. Hopefully we can take that into the playoffs,” Blum said.