Tigers Down No. 3 Portland In Gritty 2-0 Victory

Monday, August 31

Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium

7:00 PM

Princeton University

1-0-1, 0-0-0

Portland

0-2-1, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Portland	0	0	0
Princeton	0	2	2

Photo by: Sideline Photos, LLC

August 31, 2026 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

PRINCETON, N.J. – In a gritty 2-0 victory, the Princeton men's soccer team (RV) downed the No. 3 Portland Pilots on Monday night in Roberts Stadium.

First-year Noah Hammerschmidt scored the breakthrough goal in the 74th minute, with Kevin Kelley doubling it in the 78th.

Bardia Hormozi assisted both goals, with fellow first-year Lucas Ferreira helping on Hammerschmidt's as well.

"Playing the second game in a weekend, especially considering it's the first weekend of the year, the guys showed tremendous guts, mentality and concentration," said Associate Head Coach Steve Totten. "They found ways to just keep pushing the game further in our favor with our passing, our defending, and our fighting for loose balls; we're really proud of what the guys put forward today."

With the win, Princeton improves to 1-0-1 on the year, while Portland falls to 0-2-1.

How It Happened
The Tigers came out with urgency, taking two shots and earning three corners in the first five minutes of action, with Chase Miller forcing a clearance by a Pilot defender.

As they pressed, it looked like the Tigers might find a goal in the 18th minute as Roka Tsunehara fired a shot in from outside the 18, but it was saved by Portland keeper Miguel-Angel Hernandez.

The momentum swung the other way as the Pilots pressed. David Ajagbe fired a shot in with the Pilots' best chance of the game, but Tiger keeper Andrew Samuels made a diving save to keep the match scoreless.

Princeton continued to press and create chances, but the two sides went into the half 0-0 after a well-matched first period.

Coming out of the break, the Tigers were relentless, generating a chance that nearly earned them a PK just moments in. Not letting up, Hormozi forced a save by Hernandez in the 52nd minute, while Julien Lacher forced another in the 60th.

Princeton continued to press, and as the ball pinged from Ferreira, to Hormozi, to the foot of Hammerschmidt, who jammed it home, the Tigers found the go-ahead goal from the first-year in the 74th.

Looking to strike again against the stunned Pilots, the Tigers continued to attack as a through-ball from Hormozi to Kelley was sent into the back post, doubling the Tiger lead.

The Pilots, frantic to cut the deficit, found chances, but the Tiger defense was solid as they closed out the 90 minutes.

After a lengthy, intense and physical Monday night matchup against a top-five team, it was the Princeton Tigers who came out on top, 2-0, for their first win of the season.

Of Note

Samuels made one save in the shutout, his first of the season.
Hammerschmidt's goal was his career first.
Kelley's goal was his first of the season and career sixth.
Princeton outshot Portland 10 to seven, with six on goal to the Pilots' one.
Hormozi tallied two assists on the night after scoring in Friday's game, putting him at four points for a team-high after two matches.

Up Next
The Tigers will stay at home as they host JMU on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Roberts Stadium.