SALEM, Ore. - Portland CC women's soccer opened the 2025 season with a 1-0 win over Pierce College yesterday at the NWAC Friendlies. 

Facing off against a strong and deep Pierce team, the Panthers had their work cut out for them for their first official match of the year.  The first half went to plan though and the PCC Panthers held solid possession of the ball and generated some quality scoring opportunities. Finally in the 40th minute the Panthers got on the board when Susana Roman-Marquez played a beautiful ball to Melanie Alcantar Lopez at the top of the box and she blasted a goal just under the crossbar past two defenders and a stunned goalkeeper.

The Panthers spent much of the game in their attacking third, registering 17 total shots and three corners, but they never found a 2nd goal and had to rely on their defense to hold on for the win.  The goalkeeper duo of Natalie Oliveira (2 saves) and Evelyn Hollingsworth (5 saves) split the time and shared the shutout. The Panther defense was solid and scrambled a few times int he 2nd half to snuff out a very determined Pierce team. 

Coach Shawn Bundy was happy with the performance and was especially pleased at the work rate and also that the team did not sustain any serious injuries: "If this team can stay healthy and keeps working this hard, I can't wait to see what we look like in November!"

The PCC Panthers open league play on Friday August 29th at home vs. Rogue CC who won the NWAC South Region last year while the Panthers placed 2nd.