Portland, Ore. - The University of Portland men's soccer team kicked off their 2025 campaign in impressive fashion, dismantling Central Arkansas 3-0 at Merlo Field on Friday night in front of 1,984 fans.
Nicholas Dunbar broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with an unassisted strike, giving the Pilots a crucial lead heading into halftime. The home side dominated possession throughout the opening period, outshooting the Bears 10-0 and forcing Central Arkansas goalkeeper Javier Ramirez into three saves. Portland's pressure was relentless, earning four corner kicks while keeping the visitors from registering a single shot attempt in the first 45 minutes.
The Pilots picked up where they left off in the second half, with Joe Highfield doubling the advantage in the 59th minute with another unassisted goal. David Ajagbe sealed the victory in the 67th minute, finishing off a well-worked play with Diego Rosas providing the assist. Portland's defensive unit was nearly flawless, limiting Central Arkansas to just one shot for the entire match while Miguel-Angel Hernandez needed to make only one save to preserve the clean sheet. The Pilots' dominance was evident in the final statistics: 20 shots to 1, 10 shots on target to 1, and 8 corner kicks to 1.
Key Players:
University of Central Arkansas:
- Javier Ramirez made 7 saves despite conceding three goals, keeping the scoreline respectable
- Pietro Fontana registered the Bears' only shot of the match
University of Portland:
- Nicholas Dunbar opened the scoring with a crucial first-half goal
- Joe Highfield added the insurance goal early in the second half
- Diego Rosas contributed the lone assist and attempted 4 shots
- Miguel-Angel Hernandez earned the shutout with minimal work required
Turning Points:
- Dunbar's 35th-minute opener broke a scoreless deadlock and gave Portland momentum heading into halftime
- Highfield's 59th-minute goal early in the second half effectively ended any hopes of a Central Arkansas comeback
- The Bears' inability to generate any offense (0 shots in the first half, 1 total) allowed Portland to control the match tempo throughout
Statistical Highlights:
- Portland outshot Central Arkansas 20-1, including 10-1 on target
- The Pilots earned 8 corner kicks to Central Arkansas' 1
- Central Arkansas failed to register a shot in the first half
- Five yellow cards were shown (2 to UCA, 3 to Portland)