PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland CC men's soccer played their NWAC home opener today, and emerged victorious versus Pierce College 2-1 in a hard fought contest.

The Panthers were finally competing on their home pitch after five away games to start the season. The energy was high for the squad which translated into a bright start to the game. PCC was rewarded for their aggressive posture with a goal from Trung Nghia in the 23rd minute. It was a well worked goal, with Nghia hitting his 10 yard shot off the left post and onto the net. Alexis Llamas was credited with the assist.

Pierce responded well, and took hold of the majority of possession for the remainder of the half. In the 38th minute, the Panther defense was surprised by a long throw in that sailed into the six yard area. Noah Blake Mathur collected the ball in the box and finished from 8 yards away.

The second half was played mostly in between the 18 yard lines, with scoring opportunities limited for both teams. In the 67th minute, a speculative cross from the left corner by Christian Ramirez was finished spectacularly by Naseri Bakata, who leaped into a smashing header that found the top corner. 

That stunning effort proved to be the game winner, as the PCC defense snuffed out every attack from the visiting Raiders until the final whistle.