PORTLAND, Ore. --- UC Irvine dug itself a large hole early, and could never climb out of it against Portland losing, 4-1, Sunday afternoon at Merlo Field.
Benji Michel's first shot of the match was saved, but he delivered on his second in the 14th minute beating UCI keeper Alex Waldron to take an early 1-0 lead.
Portland (6-3-1) and UC Irvine (2-7) each had their chances through the rest of the half, but the one-goal difference remain as did a one-shot difference, 5-4, for the host Pilots.
UP returned to the scoresheet in the 61st minute as cashing in on an Eddie Sanchez free kick was Dirk Van Der Velde to stretch the lead to 2-0.
Sanchez got one of his own in the 73rd minute to make it 3-0, Portland, on a 30-yard strike. He returned to assist on the fourth as Michel slid home his second of the match with 40 seconds left in the match giving Portland its fourth and final goal.
The Anteaters snuck in a goal in the 81st minute after drawing the penalty kick drilled home by Giovanni Godoy, but ultimately fell, 4-1, to split the Oregon road trip.
Alex Waldron stopped three shots as he picked up his first loss in his second career start. Pilot keeper Paul Christensen turned away two shots on his side.
Most every category finished even between the squads, even the six yellow cards split by the programs.
UC Irvine completes its non-conference road with a 2-7 record. Big West play will commence this week with a 7:00 p.m. start in Anteater Stadium on Thursday. Sept. 29 as the 'Eaters welcome in Sacramento State.
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