For the Hornets (0-2-0), it was their second game of the season against a top-25 team. The Pilots (1-0-0) were ranked 19th by Soccer America at the start of the season. The Hornets opened up their season at Cal, who was ranked No. 20 by College Soccer News.

Portland defender Miguel Guante started the scoring in the 12th minute, after he found his way to a loose ball in the box that had been crossed in by forward Christopher Sanders. Less than three minutes later defender Paul Robinson scored from five-yards out off a rebound from a missed Portland penalty kick.

The final goal of the first half, which gave Portland a 3-0 lead, again involved Sanders and Guante. Sanders received the pass from Guante, and then scored from 20-yards out, putting the ball in top left corner of the net past Hornet goalkeeper Matt McDougall.

McDougall started his second match of the season and had three saves on the afternoon, while Portland goalkeeper Luis Robles maintained a shutout with three saves as well.

The Hornets tallied three shots on goal from forwards Ricky Rodriguez and Patrick Nelle and midfielder Ryan Rhoads.

The Pilots finished with seven shots on goal.

Sacramento State had a seven-to-one advantage on corner kicks over Portland, but failed to convert them.

The Hornets will finish the Nike Invitational at noon on Monday with a match against Gonzaga.