Nikki Marshall wasn't satisfied with the Colorado soccer team's showing in the regular season, but Sunday's performance provided some consolation.

Although the Buffs weren't able to solve third-ranked Portland's defense, Colorado put forth a respectable showing in a 1-0 loss before 1,977 at Prentup Field in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Portland posted its ninth shutout in its last 10 matches.

"Coming out of tough conference play, our season wasn't awesome," said Marshall, an All-American last year. "Getting into the NCAAs was a surprise for us. We felt like we deserved the opportunity, but we had to prove it on the field and I feel like we did (Sunday). We showed we can play with the best."

One slip by CU's defense was all Portland (17-3) needed to end Colorado's season at 10-8-4.

Portland forward Michelle Enyeart stole the ball from CU defender Michelle Wenino in the Buffs' own end. Enyeart crossed the ball to teammate Sophie Schmidt, who was open in front of CU's net. Schmidt put it away in the 60th minute.

The Pilots built numerous other chances, tallying 16 shots — seven on goal. But CU's defense held firm and hoped the offense would catch a break. The Buffsdidn't, however, as they were held to two shots overall — none on goal.

"I feel so bad for (Wenino) because she's been so good for us all year long, and she's taking it personal," CU coach Bill Hempen said. "But when you don't get a lot of shots, ... you can't fault the defense. They held pretty solid."

Colorado was able to possess the ball, building attacks from the back. But the Buffs' maneuvering up field came to an abrupt halt anytime they came near Portland's penalty box.

"We had the first and second passes and we were getting it to the outside," said CU midfielder Nikki Keller. "But getting it into the box, that was what we struggled with. And they were pretty compact in there so it was hard to force it in there."

The Buffs were denied a second consecutive trip to the Sweet 16.

But the likelihood of a sixth consecutive NCAA appearance next year should be high. The Buffs lose only two seniors, with first-team All-Big 12 players Wenino and Marshall returning.

Inconsistency marked CU's season, which saw 14 freshmen and eight sophomores on the roster.

The Buffs began with only two wins in their first seven matches and began Big 12 play 3-4. They were also bounced out of the Big 12 tournament in the first round.

"We went through a couple of rough spots, but I'm proud to say we ended up in the second round of the NCAA tournament from where we first started off," CU goalie Kara Linder said. "We've come a long way."