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Red-hot Pitt men win 1-0 at No. 14 Columbia

From University of Pittsburgh athletic department report: 

NEW YORK, N.Y. –  A first half goal by Alexander Dexter lifted Pitt’s men’s soccer team over No. 14 Columbia, 1-0, Tuesday evening at Rocco Commisso Stadium in New York City.

“Columbia was a tremendous opponent,” said second-year head coach Jay Vidovich. “We had a great start to the match and found a great goal. From then on, it was just a battle to finish out the game. Our guys were warriors and I’m very proud of their efforts.”

The victory marks the squad’s second consecutive win over a nationally ranked team, and third straight win overall. Pitt defeated No. 21 Syracuse less than a week ago, 2-1, at Ambrose Urbanic Field in Pittsburgh. Prior to the pair of wins, the Panthers only previous wins against ranked teams occurred six years apart, vs No. 20 Rutgers in 2008 and No. 16 Notre Dame in 2002 in recent years.

Pitt improves to 6-5-0 overall on the year, while the 14th-ranked Lions suffer their first loss of the season, moving to 5-1-2 overall.

Early offensive control by Pitt paid off in the end as freshman Dexter netted the lone goal of the night in the 41st minute. After receiving the pass on the left side from junior Javi Perez, Dexter broke down a Columbia defender and chipped the ball up over the keeper for his third goal of the season.

Redshirt sophomore Mikal Outcalt earned his third clean sheet of the year and the fifth of his career.

Columbia finished the match with a 15-7 shot advantage, while shots on goal were knotted 3-3. The Panthers reach the six-win mark for the first time since the 2012 season when they finished 6-9-2.

The Panthers return to Pittsburgh Friday, Oct. 6 to face their third-straight ranked opponent in No. 19 Duke at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The ACC match-up is set to get underway at 7 p.m.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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