WSOC | Quarles Powers Gaels Past Portland, 3-0
10/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
PORTLAND, Ore.— For the first time since 2001, the Saint Mary's women's soccer team claimed a win at Merlo Field after a blistering second half which saw three goals for the Gaels en route to an impressive 3-0 win over the Portland Pilots.
On the Pilots senior day, Saint Mary's (3-12-2, 1-5 WCC) displayed constant pressure and forced six shots on the Pilots' goal. The Gaels also had a 3-1 edge in corner kicks over the Pilots (8-5-3, 2-3-1 WCC).
We played hard today," said Saint Mary's head coach Travis Clarke. "We were organized and the players executed our game plan."
Senior striker Kiana Quarles got the explosion started with a nifty goal that crept inside the left post at the 58:50 mark. Fellow senior Samantha Dion fed the accurate through-ball to the striker, as Quarles stayed composed and delivered the first goal of the match.
In less than eight minutes, Hannah Diaz would deliver the Gaels' second goal after a powerful shot from 18 yards out. Diaz collected the ball, and emphatically drilled the shot into the right corner.
SMC put an exclamation point on the match, as Quarles collected her brace in the 82nd minute after a goal from 12 yards out. Dion collected her second assist of the match on the score by Quarles.
We have been in every game this year, and although our record indicates struggles, we know we have been playing well all season," explained Clarke. "Today, they put it together again for a full 90 minutes like we did against Cal earlier this season."
Today's victory is the second time this season the Gaels have beat a team within the top-50 in the NCAA RPI. SMC defeated California (No. 10 RPI) earlier in the season, 2-0.
Along with the offensive execution, the defense proved to be stout and tough to crack. Keeper Julia McDonald collected three saves for her second clean sheet of the season.
The Gaels will now have a three-game home stand to conclude the 2016 season. SMC will host a talented BYU team for a mid-week showdown on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 3:30 p.m. The Gaels will then host San Diego (Oct. 29) and Loyola Marymount (Nov. 5) to end the season.
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