PORTLAND, Ore. – Following a strong performance over Santa Clara, Cal State Fullerton (2-2) fell to Portland 5-0 at Merlo Stadium Monday night.
The Titans played tough throughout the first period, outshooting Portland 8-5 and out earning corner kicks 3-2. Fullerton, however, went to the locker room trailing 1-0 after giving up a goal to Gio Magana-Rivera in the 21st minute.
Fullerton had a couple good opportunities in the first half to score. Forward Bass Sarr had a good shot on goal from inside the six-yard box that was blocked by a defender right on the goalline in the 28th minute after a corner kick.
Nicolo D'Amato also had a good look at the net in the 41st minute with a chance to tie the game but his shot from the top of the box just hit the left post.
After a competitive first period showing the Titans could not keep up with the Pilots in the second. Portland's Rey Ortiz scored in the 51st minute, Benji Michele added another goal in the 60th with Luke Hendel and Caua Soares adding goals in the 78th and 88th minute, respectively.
The last time the Fullerton soccer program gave up five goals in a match was Oct. 1, 2000 at Clemson, later that year the Titans went on to win the conference tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
With the loss, Fullerton drops to 2-2 on the season which is the same record it started with in 2015 when it once again made it to the NCAA Tournament.
The Titans now look to bounce back when they host Utah Valley Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Titan Stadium.
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