PORTLAND, Ore. - As an athlete, you always want to compete with the best of the best, which is exactly what Multnomah Men's Soccer got the chance to do this evening, as they took to Merlo Field on the campus of the University of Portland to take on the No. 8 ranked Pilots in a preseason exhibition match. Despite two second half goals, it wasn't enough as the Lions fell to their NCAA DI opposition 7-2.

Portland started on the front foot quickly, scoring their first of the match just five minutes into the contest through midfielder Connor Evans. The game slowly began to open up after the Pilots' first goal, with Multnomah beginning to have bright moments in possession. Midfielders Isael Lopez and Axcele Biteghe were instrumental for the Lions during the first half thanks to their positive attacking play, while Chad Le Roux and goalkeeper Joseph Gyamfi kept things organized at the back to the best of their abilities. Despite their efforts, Portland scored their second of the game late in the first half through Joe Highfield, with the Lions down 2-0 going into the halftime interval.

Portland started the second half just as they started the first, with two quick goals in the 48th and 50th minutes. Multnomah finally answered back with a goal of their own thanks to Paul Einero, who received a pass from Biteghe on the counter attack before slotting his shot beyond the outstretched hands of Portland's goalkeeper. The Lions would grab their second goal of the night just 12 minutes later thanks to Nicolas Perdomo-Pinzon. The forward tapped in his shot following a corner that the Portland defense was unable to clear.

Unfortunately from then on, it was all about the Pilots. Portland managed to score their 5th, 6th, and 7th goals of the night in a two minute span, starting in the 72nd minute. Multnomah finished with six shots, three of which were on target. Gyamfi, and second half goalkeeper Johnny Hernandez, managed 12 saves between the two.

"These are the types of games you dream to play in as a kid, and I'm thankful the guys got this opportunity," shared Head Coach Dalon Parker following tonight's game. "We had some really positive moments throughout the game, and I'm proud of how we competed. We could have just rolled over after they grabbed their fourth goal, but we showed that we can compete with teams at the highest level."

The Lions are at home for the first time this season on Wednesday at 7:00 pm against Pacific Union College, before heading back into Portland on Friday night to take on Lewis & Clark College.