NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal | Friday, December 5, 2025 | Merlo Field, Portland
Portland welcome Furman to Merlo Field on Friday, December 5 (7:00 PM PST / 10:00 PM EST) in an NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal with a College Cup berth at stake. The winner advances to the Final Four in Cary, North Carolina, where either Maryland or Washington awaits in the national semifinals on December 12.
Where to Watch: ESPN+ (Live Stream)
Historic Stakes for Both Programs
This is rarefied air for both sides. Portland, the No. 8 seed, are seeking their first College Cup appearance since 1995. The Pilots have built their season around Merlo Field, posting a remarkable 12-0-1 home record. They have not lost on this ground all year.
Furman, seeded 16th, are chasing their first Final Four since the Clint Dempsey era in 2002. The Southern Conference champions survived a penalty shootout against Hofstra in the Round of 16, winning 5-4 after a dramatic 3-3 draw. That result extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches, the longest active streak in Division I.
Head-to-Head
These programs have met just once in history, playing to a 0-0 draw. There is no blueprint for either side.
Portland’s Fortress
The Pilots’ last five overall reads W-D-W-W-L, though that lone defeat came via penalty shootout advancement against Denver. At home in their last three, Portland are W-D-W, averaging 2.33 goals per game on their own turf.
The attack is balanced and potent. Joe Highfield and David Ajagbe have each scored 10 goals this season, while Diego Rosas runs the creative engine with 14 assists, ranking Portland second nationally in that category. They score early and often, particularly in the opening 30 minutes.
Furman’s Resilience
Furman’s last five overall shows D-W-W-W-W, with four clean sheets in their last five matches before the Hofstra thriller. That 3-3 draw exposed rare cracks in a defence that had been nearly impenetrable.
SoCon Player of the Year Diego Hernandez (9 goals, 8 assists) is the heartbeat of the attack. Goalkeeper Ivan Horvat, the conference’s best, was the hero in the shootout and will need another big performance under the lights in Portland.
The Paladins are comfortable ceding possession and striking on the counter or from set pieces. Travelling cross-country to the Pacific Northwest presents a significant logistical challenge.
Tactical Clash
Portland want to dominate with quick, incisive passing through the wings. Furman want to absorb pressure, stay compact, and hit on the break. Rain and wind are forecast for kickoff (52°F), which could disrupt high balls and favour Portland’s ground game on a slick Merlo Field surface.
Numbers to Watch
- 12-0-1: Portland’s home record this season.
- 13: Furman’s unbeaten streak, best active in NCAA.
- 14: Diego Rosas assists (2nd nationally).
- 3: Goals Furman conceded vs Hofstra, their most vulnerable showing.
- 1995: Last time Portland reached the College Cup.
