PORTLAND, Ore.- The No.9 ranked Western Michigan men's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season, falling at Portland Friday night, 4-1. Western Michigan now with a 9-1-1 overall record had not lost a game through its first 10 matches of the season prior, the team's best start in school history.

Portland, the defending West Coast Conference champions, also has had a strong start to the year and entered the match receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll. Benji Michel scored two goals for the Pilots in the win while Rey Ortiz finished with two assists.

Michel's first goal came four minutes in the game, but Western Michigan was able to counter in the 10th minute. A low free kick was deflected around the box and senior forward Jay McIntosh slotted it home for his fourth goal of the season. Kosti Moni and and Zach Bock each were credited with an assist. The 1-1 tie carried into halftime.

Portland was quick to strike again at the beginning of the second half, finding the game-winner in the 49th minute off a cross into the box. The Pilots pushed their lead to 3-1 in the 54th minute with a header off a free kick. Michel scored his second goal, beating WMU keeper Drew Shepherd 1v1 for the final goal of the game.

"The first half was a great half of soccer by both teams, but in the second half we were simply out-played," said WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. "We created several good chances and just couldn't find a way to reward ourselves."