In the last four games the Portland State Vikings women’s soccer team has played, zero goals have been scored on them. PSU soccer has outscored their opponents 9-0 and, going even further back, the Vikings have only let two goals in their net in conference play this season.
KARL KUCHS/VANGUARD STAFF
The women’s soccer team is on a hot streak. Their next three games are at Hillsboro Stadium.
In the last four games the Portland State Vikings women’s soccer team has played, zero goals have been scored on them. PSU soccer has outscored their opponents 9-0 and, going even further back, the Vikings have only let two goals in their net in conference play this season.
Now well past the halfway point in the season, Portland State stands at 4-1-1 in conference play, with three home games left on the Big Sky schedule. Even with the success as of late, head coach Laura Schott and the Vikings know the success this year will be gauged based on results after the season is over, not in the middle.
“The year so far has had ups and downs, as any year, but overall we are excited and optimistic about what we are doing and what’s to come,” Schott said. “We can’t make a final evaluation of the year until the year is complete.”
KARL KUCHS/VANGUARD STAFF
Last weekend, the Vikings played two conference games on the road. The women started in northern Arizona, where they drew 0-0. Portland State outshot the Lumberjacks, but couldn’t get the ball past NAU goalkeeper Lauren Weaver. Senior Megan Martin and sophomore Daniela Solis led the team with four shots each.
“NAU is one of the hardest places to play in our conference—maybe in the country,” Schott said. “All things considered, we did a lot of things well on defense and offense. Obviously we wanted to get the game winner, but overall we had a good performance.”
After Arizona, the Vikings traveled to Utah, where they took on Southern Utah University. Portland State took control in the 24th minute with a goal by sophomore Torie Morris. Senior Amanda
Dutra assisted the goal, her first of two in the game.
Dutra now has 15 assists in her career, a new Portland State record. The Vikings went on to win the game 3-0.
Schott has a lot of praise for her players after a successful weekend on the road and a shutout streak that has stretched to four games.
“When a soccer team plays very well it is a testament to all of the players,” Schott said. “I can start with our goalkeeping, who has been outstanding. So has our back line, but then our midfield, specifically senior midfielders Dutra, Howie and Megan, have been playing very well. Up front we are getting contributions from many, and that’s what makes our team effective.”
Portland State has three Big Sky games left in the home stands. The Vikings will play Idaho State University, Weber State University and California State University, Sacramento on Oct. 12, 14 and 19, respectively. All games are at Hillsboro Stadium.
“We set realistic but high goals and we believe we can achieve them,” Schott said. “The upcoming games will be competitive, especially, because they are very important. Both teams have been doing some great things, and we look forward to the challenge.”
