USF Falls 1-0 to Portland in 2007 WCC Opener at Negoesco :: Dons Host No. 21 Gonzaga Sunday at 2:00 PM

Oct. 5, 2007

(San Francisco) - San Francisco men's soccer opened West Coast Conference play with a tough 1-0 setback to Portland on a chilly Friday night at Negoesco Stadium. The Dons (4-4-0, 0-1-0 WCC) failed to capitalize on some solid scoring chances in the second period against the Pilots (4-3-2, 1-0-1 WCC).

Portland found the back of the net first and the Pilots thwarted numerous USF shots in the second half. Freshman forward Frankie Lopez tallied his second goal of the season at the 46:35 mark off a feed from junior forward Alex Elliott. Lopez sent a low scoring strike to the lower corner past a diving Eric Conner.

San Francisco showed signs of rust in the first half after going 12 days without a match. The Dons emerged with much more aggressiveness after the intermission. After managing just two shots in the first half, compared to seven for the Pilots, USF

Freshman forward Conor Chinn had the best scoring opportunity of the game for USF in the 61st minute on a hard shot that clanged off the near post. Chinn finished with a match-high five shots. Senior forward Ardalan Attar also had a couple opportunities on shots just wide of the target.

Freshman goalkeeper Frankie Lopez collected the shutout win for the Pilots, making six saves - five in the second half. Conner made eight saves on the night for USF, five in the opening frame.

USF returns to action when it takes on No. 21 Gonzaga in a Sunday matinee. Match time against the Bulldogs - a 1-0 winner at Saint Mary's Friday - is set for 2:00 PM at Negoesco Stadium.