The Portland Pilots opened their season with a 2‑0 defeat on the road, slipping to a 1‑3‑0 record after a match that saw them face 16 shots on goal.
Goalkeeper Sophia Hills turned in a career‑high seven saves, a performance that also pushed her past the 70‑career‑save threshold, highlighting her emergence as a defensive anchor.
A Defensive Showcase in a Losing Effort
Wake Forest drew first blood in the 41st minute, converting a penalty kick to take a 1‑0 lead at halftime, a momentum shift that the Pilots struggled to reverse.
The Demon Deacons added a second goal in the 73rd minute, sealing a 2‑0 victory while the Pilots continued to be out‑shot and out‑pressured.
Looking Ahead on the Road
Portland still has two away fixtures left on the schedule, the next of which is a showdown with Long Beach State on September 3 at 7 p.m., a game that could offer a chance to rebound from the early‑season setback.