PORTLAND, Ore. - After a slow start to the season, the Panthers have found their rhythm at exactly the right time.

With four consecutive victories, the Portland CC women's soccer team is hitting its stride as the season reaches the midpoint. The recent run has brought confidence, energy and plenty of reason for optimism as the Panthers look toward the final portion of the season.

A big part of the excitement surrounding the program starts with a freshman who had been sidelined since the beginning of the season.

Emma Streng, a freshman from Tualatin High School, has appeared in just four games this season, but her impact has been impossible to miss. Streng has already scored five goals in those four appearances.

To say she makes an impact would be an understatement.

"We missed Ema's skill, presence, and leadership while she rehabilitated an early-season ankle injury. What sets a player apart at the college level isn't just technical ability, it's being able to learn and adjust to the faster pace and pressure of the college game. Ema used those six weeks to study the game and identify how she could adjust her style to be more effective. Her four goals in three games since returning reflect that commitment. It shows that Ema is not only an exceptional player, but also an exceptional student of the game" said Co-Coach Shawn Bundy.

But while Streng has been out, another freshman has helped keep the Panthers' offense moving.

Jeselyn Gonzalez has been the team's scoring anchor, leading the Panthers with six goals so far this season. Her production was particularly important during Streng's absence, providing the Panthers with a consistent scoring threat and helping hold the team together offensively during the first half of the season.

Now, with Streng working her way back into top form, the Panthers have been able to pair one of their top scorers with the player who carried much of the scoring load while she was away.

And the freshman contributions don't stop there.

Alli Aldinger has been special all season, consistently making an impact for the Panthers. Maite Avalos has also been a key contributor, leading the team in assists.

With so much production coming from the freshman class, it's easy to see why Co-coaches Bundy and Alexa Cooper are excited not only about what this team can accomplish now, but also about what the future could hold.

While the freshmen have grabbed plenty of attention, the Panthers' defense is being anchored by a group of returning players who continue to develop into major contributors.

Sophomore goalkeeper Evelyn Hollingsworth, a two-year starter, has continued to improve throughout the season. The 6-foot keeper is now drawing interest from Division I and D II programs.

Hollingsworth is also a two-sport athlete. Last year, she suited up for the Panthers' women's basketball team, adding another dimension to an already impressive athletic résumé.

Her play in goal provides stability behind a group that continues to gain confidence.

One of the most important pieces of that group has been sophomore Olivia Marquez, who played a reserve role on last year's team but has emerged as a crucial contributor this season. Coach Cooper has been impressed with Marquez's consistency and composure throughout the year.

"She has been the most consistent player on the field the entire season and gets my MVP vote right now for leading the backline and playing with calm confidence," Cooper said.

Sophomores Layne Montgomery and Kailey Carcomo-Rodriguez have also contributed solid play, adding experience and depth to a roster that is coming together at the right time. Kailey was a 1st team all-south region selection in 2025 and is playing even better in 2026 as the team makes a push towards the playoffs. 

The result is a Panthers team on the rise.

The future certainly looks promising, but what's even more important is what this group can accomplish right now.

The Panthers have three of their final five games scheduled at home, giving them a valuable opportunity to build on their current winning streak and continue their push through toward the playoffs.