Eryn Brown has a golden boot for the Portland State University women’s soccer team.
The junior midfielder from Camas fired three goals into the net and assisted on two others to help the Vikings beat New Mexcio State 7-0 Sept. 1, during the UNLV Tournament at Peter Johann Field, in Las Vegas.
“Getting a hat trick and two assists was close to the best result I could have asked for,” Brown said. “I felt extremely happy that I could perform individually with the help of my amazing teammates as well as contribute to their individual successes. The entire match was focused, creative, composed and a ton of fun.”
Brown’s first goal of the match was also her first one since tearing her ACL during the first match of her sophomore season. She came back slow from the injury last year, and tallied only one assist and no goals.
“When I hit the net with my first goal, my first thought was ‘Yes! Finally!” Brown said.
Anticipation and effort led to a second goal. Brown out raced the defender to a long ball kicked down the field by her friend, Lexi Greenwood.
“It was an amazing ball. I toe-poked it right past the keeper before she could clear it,” Brown said. “When I scored this goal, all I could think about was getting another one.”
Brown’s third goal came in the second half. She chased a ball that had been played to the right side of the field. She got away from the defender, dribbled the ball to the near post and fired it past the keeper.
Brown also assisted on two goals scored by freshmen Abbey Bergquist and Aurora Bodenhamer. She set a Portland State new single match school record with 8 points. She was selected to the All-UNLV Tournament Team and was named the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
“I feel very fortunate to have great people to play alongside and root for me the whole way,” Brown said. “I hope my record will stand for a long time at PSU. I’ll have to break it again just to make sure.”
She delivered two more goals in Portland State’s 4-0 victory against Cal State-Bakersfield Saturday, at Hillsboro Stadium. By scoring five goals in the last two games, Brown set a new school record for the most goals in a two-match period.
“As a team, our motto is ‘one of the 64,’ which signifies our goal to get to the NCAA tournament,” Brown said. “Personally, I’d like to win the Golden Boot. So let’s pray I keep scoring.”
It’s been a long and difficult road for Brown to get back to playing the game she loves at a high level. She thanks the family members, coaches and teammates who never left her side.
“Soccer is by far the best and most beautiful game ever,” Brown said. “We share a love that won’t ever end.”
