Husky Women’s Soccer Halftime Observations From Washington’s Home Match Against Portland, August 12th, 2026
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Coming off an emotional storybook run during the 2025 season, the Washington Husky women’s soccer team is back in action, welcoming the Portland Pilots to town to open the 2026 campaign. It’s the first meeting between the two programs since 2022, and the 36th all-time between the Pacific Northwest colleges. Washington comes into this season ranked fourth in the nation in the TopDrawerSoccer Top-25, and 12th in the IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches poll, so they’re certainly looking to start the season off strong.
Historically, the Pilots have dominated the series, boasting a 25-5-5 record, but the Huskies have recorded better results of late, winning three of the last seven, including a draw in the most recent match in 2022 in Portland. Here are a few basic observations at halftime of this match on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026.
Washington providing early pressure
Until a corner kick late into the half provided a momentary pause in breath for the home side, the Huskies were in clear control of this match in terms of the attack. The ball has largely lived in the Portland defensive half, with a Lucy Newlin header nearly providing the opening goal, but it just barely skied over the crossbar on a free kick. Washington has put together six shots so far, and a few free kicks right on the edge of the box, but it hasn’t resulted in any attempts on target quite yet. The Huskies haven’t made Sophia Hills’ job in goal for the Pilots very hard.
Washington has been able to get up the left side of the pitch with ease to this point, and it’s where they’ve been able to draw those aforementioned free kicks to help create the most dangerous attempt of the match to this point. At home, in front of a strong crowd to open the season, the Huskies are in a good position, but they’ll want to do better with the position they’ve had to this point.
Limited chances from Portland provide danger
As mentioned above, the Pilots have had a handful of instances of dangerous possession through the first 45 minutes, but not much. The late corner kick that Portland got, which came off some confusion from the Washington bench as they were still seeking clarity on a call right before the whistle blew for the kick, saw bodies crash into the box and a ball up for grabs before it rolled out of danger. The Pilots have had a few different looks at through balls that could’ve provided danger for Washington, but the stout backline of the Huskies has warded off any potential looks going on goal against goalkeeper Tanner Ijams.
Portland has just one shot, which wasn’t on goal, and they haven’t been able to square anything up quite yet. It’s a sign of Washington’s continued defensive strength, and yet the Pilots' solid defense is making this a tight contest.
What to look for in the second half
This match is looking for that individual moment of brilliance to break through, and it very well could come from forward Alex Buck. The third-year player out of Medina, Washington, has been prodding up the left side of the field and looks as though she could be knocking on the door of the opening score. We’re keeping an eye on “Bucky” in the second half.
Another name to watch in the attack for Washington is Avery Nguyen, who is getting a start in the first match of the season after so often creating chaos off the bench for the Huskies last year. Nguyen is an incredible story, rising from club soccer to this program, and has provided a key jolt for Washington when needed. She’d be a fun name to provide a critical moment for the purple and gold to open the season.
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Follow our accounts dedicated strictly to University of Washington athletics! Instagram: @CSS_UWHuskies Twitter: @CSS_College
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Follow our accounts dedicated strictly to University of Washington athletics! Instagram: @CSS_UWHuskies Twitter: @CSS_College 〰️
Check out our previous CSS Huskies articles here.
Check out our previous Washington Husky women’s soccer articles here.
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