—by Lucas Grzybowski

The University of Portland Pilots men's soccer team yesterday lost a bleak 0-1 contest to Santa Clara at Merlo Field, but there was a silver lining.

Through donations and the volunteer efforts of TA/UP stalwarts Tim Chamberlin and Seth Hunt, $120 was raised for the Gisele Currier Memorial Fund, which was created in honor of our dear friend Gisele after she passed away suddenly last spring. Admission was free for anyone wearing Timbers Army gear, and a few dozen TA came out to support the Pilots in their quest to qualify for the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.

Santa Clara broke the deadlock in the 81st minute with a header off a corner kick, and though the Pilots had a couple of good chances to equalize during a frenetic finish, it was not to be. The loss means Portland finishes in 3rd place in the West Coast Conference and could only qualify for the NCAA tournament through an at-large bid (which they unfortunately did not get).

Thanks again to everyone who donated, and to Seth and Tim for working the booth.

Learn more about the Gisele Currier Memorial Fund, and make a donation to support local soccer.