HILLSBORO, Ore. - Portland State women's soccer held Hawai'i scoreless for 81 minutes Thursday, but two late goals in the final ten minutes handed the Vikings a 2-1 loss under the lights at Hillsboro Stadium.
 
The Vikings dropped to 1-5-0, while the Rainbow Wahine's comeback win improved their record to 3-6-0.
 
Despite a lopsided possession battle for most of the game, the Vikings capitalized on their early opportunities, striking in the fourth minute. Ocean Rideout connected with a wide-open Elle Frazier, who knocked one past Hawaii's goalie to put Portland State up 1-0. The goal snapped an 11-game streak without a first-half score for the Vikings, dating back to Oct. 8th of last year.
 
Hawai'i ramped up their attack in the second half, rattling off 15 shots in 35 minutes. Portland State's Natalie Cunningham rose to the challenge, making several key saves to preserve the Vikings' lead. The Rainbow Wahine continuously fired off shots in quick succession but came up empty each time, as the Viking defense and Cunningham bent but didn't break.
 
Meanwhile, the Vikings saw their best opportunity of the half in the 63rd minute when Abi Hoffman delivered a free kick to Aliayha Saldana in the box, but Hawai'i's Kennedy Justin came up with a crucial save.
 
With just eight minutes remaining, the Rainbow Wahine finally broke through, slipping the equalizer past an outstretched Cunningham. Their relentless attack continued, as they scored again less than three minutes later to take their first lead of the evening in the 85th minute.
 
Sydney Watson's shot in the 86th minute was the Vikings' last attempt before time expired as Hawai'i clinched the 2-1 victory.
 
The Rainbow Wahine finished with 25 shots, 9 of which were saved by Cunningham—a season high for the junior. Portland State was limited to a season-low three shots in the contest.
 
The Vikings will look to bounce back next week as they continue their three-game homestand. They'll host Utah Tech on Friday, Sept. 20 (1:00 p.m.) before welcoming Seattle U on Sunday, Sept. 22 (1:00 p.m.), to wrap up non-conference play.
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