PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC women's soccer opened up 2024 south region play with a narrow 1-0 win over Lane today at the Rock Creek Field.

PCC head coach Shawn Bundy was very happy with how the Panthers gritted out a difficult win against a fit team that pushed PCC to the limit. 

The action on the field was hampered somewhat by the soaring temperatures, with the mercury hitting triple digits on the turf surface. First half chances were rare for both teams, with each side attempting four shots. PCC's best opportunity was a blistering try in the 35th minute from Elizabeth Valdez that skimmed over the bar. 

The visiting Titans made some adjustments at halftime, and grabbed a hold of the game in the early action of the second period. Right away Sarah Money clanged a shot off the crossbar, and Lane peppered Panther goalkeeper Aleena Calvert. Calvert came up with several big saves, and snuffed out several promising Titan attacks by coming aggressively off her line. 

Portland finally broke through in the 72nd minute, as Mira Thornton scored her first collegiate goal with a well placed shot from 12 yards out. The sequence started with a nice combination play from Karly Murray and Jennifer Valencia, who were both credited with assists. 

From there, the Panthers dug in defensively with Calvert again coming up with a big save and several well timed clearances. Calvert finished with seven total saves to earn the shutout, her first of 2024.

PCC Assistant coach Alexa Cooper loved the complete team effort and remarked how fun PCC will be to watch this year when they are passing to feet.

Lane outshot PCC 13-8, with the Panthers generating six corner kicks to the Titans four.