PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC defeated Southwestern Oregon yesterday 4-0 to earn a much needed victory and move into second place in the NWAC South standings.
The teams played much of the game under a steady rain, which resulted in some disjointed possession and nervy defending from both sides. The host Panthers coped with the conditions with some success and began to wear down the Lakers as the game proceeded.
SWOCC kept Portland off the board for the entire first half, but the Panthers finally broke through in the 54th minutes. PCC was awarded a penalty, but Alexis Gomez had his try saved by Laker keeper Rylan Tutor. Fortunately Ivan Alfaro put the rebound into the net to make the score 1-0.
Less than 30 seconds later, PCC forced a turnover in the midfield and took advantage. Josue Dolores Lopez tucked home a hot after a nice feed in the box from Gerardo Contreras.
The Panthers kept pressing forward, and added two more goals late in the game. Erick Iboy and Daniel Hernandez each found the net in the final 10 minutes of action.
PCC will travel to 1st place Rogue CC on Saturday in a key region matchup.
