Evergreen seals winless preseason after heartbreak dagger vs Pacific, 2-1

The Evergreen State College men’s soccer team lost all three preseason matches this fall season. A resolute Pacific University spoiled the Geoducks’ best chance of a positive result by winning at the death, 2-1, in their exhibition match at Hanson Stadium in Forest Grove, OR, last Saturday evening, September 7. 

Aidian Pierias, who returned from an ankle injury in the previous season, scored the winning goal for the Boxers deep into stoppage time in the second half at virtually the final kick of the match. He scored off a pass from Aidan Heflin to break the hearts of the visiting Geoducks. 

The match remained goalless for its first 70 minutes, with Evergreen’s best chances being called just offside. Breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute was Pacific’s Noah Gosch, as he converted a penalty kick to give the hosts the lead. 

Later, in the 85th minute, substitute Kainoa Wong got the equalizer for the Geoducks, by way of an assist from midfielder Alan Barragan. The Geoducks kept up the pressure after that motivating goal. Wong almost doubled his account before Pierias and the Boxers imposed their own plans in stoppage time. 

This contest was the last official preseason match for the Geoducks before they begin the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) season on September 20, wherein they will face Eastern Oregon University at the Community Stadium at La Grande, OR. Before that, the current squad will have an unofficial scrimmage against Geoducks alumni at home. 

Meanwhile, the women’s soccer team, which is also winless in three friendlies so far after losing twice but managing a draw, will wrap up their pre-conference preparations this Friday, September 13, as they travel to Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, WA.