Sept. 10, 2000

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Texas Tech soccer team played a tough first half, but eventually could not overcome a great match played by the homestanding Portland University Pilots in a 6-0 loss Sunday afternoon.

The defeat ends a season-opening six-match road stretch for Tech (1-5).

The Red Raiders played well in the first half and went into the intermission trailing 2-0. But Portland continued with its strong play in the second half, adding four goals for the final margin of victory.

"They are a very good team, one of the perennial powerhouses in the country," Tech head coach Felix Oskam said after the match. "They combine well with each other and are very athletic. It's just another level.

"We played well in the first half and fought to the end. We have to learn from this match. It was a great experience in a great stadium for our kids."

The Red Raiders open the home slate this Thursday, September 14, against West Texas A&M in a 4 p.m. match at R.P. Fuller Stadium. Tech also plays at home Sunday, September 17, versus Tulsa at 1 p.m.