University of San Francisco Athletics

Box Score  
 
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SAN FRANCISCO—After falling behind in the first half, the Dons battled back and tied the match but were unable to complete the full comeback as they settled for the 1-1 draw against Portland State on Friday night.
 
It was the second straight season the Dons tied with Portland State and the team's all-time record against the Vikings moves to 4-0-2.
 
"I thought our energy level wasn't good enough," Millinder said of the first half. "Second half, we pressed with four at times. We did a great job in the second half. We could have won the game but we can't wait 45 minutes to get going."
 
Portland State, who won the Big Sky regular season title last season, got on the board in a hurry when in the ninth minute Mackenzie Bean took the ball off a deflection and got it to go just by the outstretched arms of Madalyn Schiffel for the 1-0 lead.
 
The Dons, who came out sluggish in the first period, rallied in the second and put the pressure on the Portland State defense. In the 72nd minute, the Dons had it deep in Portland State territory when the ball ricocheted to find Jaciara Mello near the right corner of the goal and she tapped it in to tie the game.
 
It was her second goal of the season.
 
"We talked about things at half that we need to do," Millinder said. "It really comes down to effort and understanding our roles and in the second half we were much better."
 
San Francisco had gained some momentum and nearly took the lead later in the half. In the 79th minute, Rochelle Weerackoon used some quick dribbling to find an opening and get a one-on-one shot at the goal but Vikings goalie Caitlin Plese made the diving save. The ball found its way to Jessica Nakae who then fired high.
 
The match went to overtime and in the first extra session freshman striker Sonja Giraud beat two defenders and went one-on-one with Plese, took her shot and watched the potential game-winner bounce off the right post.
 
"In the overtime periods, we weren't efficient enough," Millinder said. "In an overtime period like that, you have to box the ball. We've got to be more dangerous at critical times."
 
Schiffel picked up three saves in the contest.
 
The Dons will return to action on Sunday to wrap up the USF Tournament against LIU Brooklyn at 2:30 p.m.