The Portland Pilots delivered a commanding performance with a 7-2 win against the Multnomah Lions, improving their overall record to 2-1-0.
Six different Pilots found the back of the net during the match, with Buba Fofanah leading the way with two goals, marking his first of the season. Connor Evans and Joe Highfield each scored their first goals as Pilots, with Evans’ goal being the game-winner. Nicky Dunbar and Sebastian Nava added to the tally with goals of their own.
The seven goals scored by Portland are the most they’ve recorded in a single game since their previous match against Multnomah in 2021. The team also registered 32 shots, the highest total since that same game.
Game Recap
The Pilots quickly took the lead with Connor Evans scoring in the sixth minute. Evans curved a well-placed ball into the box, finding the net with assists from Kendi Bellini and Michael Hatcher.
Portland’s next goal came just before halftime when Joe Highfield scored his first goal for the Pilots, assisted by Evans and Nicky Dunbar.
Buba Fofanah struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 48th and 50th minutes, becoming the first Pilot this season to achieve a brace. Sebastian Nava, Wylie Trujillo, and Efetobo Aror provided the assists for these goals.
Multnomah responded with two goals, but Portland remained in control. Sebastian Hernandez scored in the 73rd minute off a corner from Nava, extending the lead to 5-2.
Nicky Dunbar followed up with a goal in the 75th minute after a deep pass from Ethan Zamora to Evans, who then crossed the ball to Dunbar for the finish, making it 6-2.
Sebastian Nava wrapped up the scoring with a goal from inside the box, assisted by Micaah Garnette and Dunbar, sealing the final score at 7-2.
Game Notes
The Pilots’ seven goals are their highest total since facing Multnomah in 2021. They also recorded 32 shots, their most since that same game.
Fofanah became the first Pilot to score multiple goals in a game this season.
Evans, Highfield, Fofanah, and Hernandez each netted their first goals of the year, with Evans and Highfield scoring their first career goals for Portland.
Trujillo, Garnette, and Zamora also earned their first points of the season.
The Pilots have maintained a streak of scoring at least five goals in one game every year since 2019.
Up Next
The Pilots are set to face the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners on Thursday, Sept. 5, as part of a doubleheader with the women’s team. The women’s game kicks off at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men’s match at 7 p.m.
