Nomads Reach WSL Final by Defeating Portland, 2-1

Former San Diego Socker Paul Wright scored on a own goal with 16 minutes remaining as the San Diego Nomads defeated the Portland Timbers, 2-1, in the Western Soccer League semifinals Saturday night at San Diego State University’s Aztec Bowl.

The Nomads will play Aug. 12 at the Aztec Bowl at 7:30 against the San Francisco Blackhawks for the WSL title.

Wright scored when his shot deflected off a Portland player and caromed into the net, breaking a 1-1 tie.

Waad Hirmez scored on a penalty kick 21 minutes into the first half to give the Nomads a 1-0 lead. Portland tied the score with five minutes remaining in the half on a free kick by John Bain, the player-coach.

TENNIS

San Diego’s Ginger Hegelson advanced to the second round of the Great American Bank Tennis qualifying tournament with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Laxmi Pouri of Upland.

Nine others advanced to today’s second round, including Kate Gompert of Rancho Mirage and Noell Porter of Northridge. Hegelson and Porter both played on Pepperdine’s tennis team last year.

CYCLING

Reigning national champion Ken Carpenter of La Mesa maintained his dominance, winning two consecutive rides over Bobby Livingston of Riverdale, Ga., for the 1989 national title at the U.S. Track Cycling in Redmond, Wash. Carpenter represented the United States in the men’s sprint in the 1988 summer Olympics.

RUGBY

The Old Mission Bay Athletic Club defeated Tempe, Ariz., 16-12, to win the Seven-a-Side Rugby tournament at Chula Visa High School. As the Pacific Coast Club champion, OMBAC earned a berth in the national championships.

Tempe led, 12-4, entering the second half, but OMBAC rallied. Tempe advanced to the finals by defeating Back Bay, 24-6, in the semifinals. OMBAC beat the Los Angeles Rugby Club, 27-0.

OMBAC also won the Open Divison by defeating Pasadena, 22-15.