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Missy Dennis got one of Utah's shots against Portland.
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Nov. 16, 2002
PROVO, Utah - After an exhausting first round overtime win over BYU on Thursday night, the banged-up Utes were defeated by No. 9 Portland 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at South Field. Portland's highly experienced offensive attack was too much; firing 15 shots, as Utah's dreams of a Sweet 16 appearance was not meant to be.
Utah played without its points and assists leader, senior forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham, who suffered a left knee sprain in Thursday's win over the Cougars. Utah ended its season 13-4-3, advancing the to the NCAA Championship for the first time in its eight-year history under first-year head coach Rich Manning.
The Utes couldn't get their offense going as the Pilots controlled of the ball most of game. Utah fired just two shots on goal.
Utah starting keeper Lynnsey Asay-Kimball made four saves and allowed both first-half goals. Courtney Hills-McBeth manned the goal in the second half, allowing one goal while making four saves.
The persistent Pilots (16-4-2) of the West Coast Conference took a 2-0 lead into halftime. Portland's Lauren Orlandos scored the first goal in the 33rd minute off an assist from Lindsey Huie. The goal developed off a corner kick to Orlandos, who took a header shot that cut into the top right corner of the net.
Later in the first half, Portland standout Christine Sinclair scored off a cross from Emily Patterson.
Utah regained its composure early in the second half and challenged the Pilots' defense. Junior Missy Dennis fired a shot on goal, forcing Portland goalkeeper Lauren Arase to make her only save of the game.
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