PORTLAND—A late goal lifted Portland to a 2-1 win over Utah Valley on Friday night at Merlo Field in the Wolverines' first game at the Nike Portland Invitational.
 
Utah Valley (1-5-1) tallied seven shots on the night, including five on goal, while the Pilots had 11 shots with five on net. After tallying just one shot to UP's seven in the first half, UVU made adjustments at the break and fired six shots compared to Portland's four in the second period.
 
"We played really well tonight," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "It was a great match in what is obviously a fantastic environment. Without a doubt, this was our best performance of the season. We'll take everything we learned from this match and move forward to our next match against Washington. I saw a lot of growth tonight and it was just unfortunate we couldn't sneak away with a win over a tie."
 
Tied 0-0 at the half, Utah Valley's Sadie Brockbank gave the Wolverines a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the second period as she fired a shot into the back of the net from 25 yards out in the 47th minute. The score marks the first-ever goal of Brockbank's career. 
 
Portland responded with a pair of goals in the 69th and 82nd minutes. Portland's Taryn Ries scored the game winner with just eight minutes to play to secure the victory for the Pilots.
 
Breanna McCarter led the Wolverines with four shots, including two on goal. Brockbank had two shots, both of which were on frame. Brooklyn Nielsen played all 90 minutes in goal, collecting three saves on the night.
 
"We're in a good spot," said Lemay. "Playing against this quality of a team in these types of atmospheres is getting us ready for WAC play. I'm excited about our team and the direction we're headed."
 
Utah Valley will continue play at the Nike Portland Invitational on Sunday against Washington. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. MT.