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Dexter's strike lifts red-hot Pitt past No. 7 Notre Dame, 1-0

from University of Pittsburgh and Notre Dame athletic department reports

Pitt’s men’s soccer team continued its strong form in October, for its third win against a ranked opponent this season after capturing a 1-0 victory over No. 7 Notre Dame Friday night at Alumni Field in South Bend, IN.

Freshman Alexander Dexter netted his fifth goal of the season in the 52nd minute that would be enough for Pitt to hold on for the win. 

The Panthers’ victory marks the first over a top-10 opponent since the 2000 season when they upset then-ranked No. 2 St. John’s.

“I’m very excited for the guys and proud of their efforts,” said head coach Jay Vidovich. “We started the game great, held on and stayed resilient at the end of the first half. I thought we came out fantastic in the second half, we got our goal and we were able to defend our lead. The guys are learning how to win games and I’m just happy for them.”

With the win, Pitt improves to 8-6-0 overall and picks up its second ACC win of the season and in program history. Notre Dame drops to 9-4-1 overall and is now 3-3-1 against conference foes. The Panthers handed the Irish their first home loss of the season, moving them to 6-1-1.

Pitt reaches the eight-win mark on the season for the first time since 2002 when the Panthers finished 8-9-1 overall.

The win is the first over a conference opponent on the road since 2008 when Pitt defeated Seton Hall as members of the Big East.

The Panthers defeat Notre Dame for the first time since 2002 when the Irish were ranked 16th. The win is Pitt’s fourth over the long-time opponent.

At the conclusion of a scoreless first half, the Irish held an advantage in shots (11-4) and corners (6-3).

The Panthers came out of the gates strong in the second half, attempting two shots and drawing a corner within the first four minutes. In the 52nd minute, Dexter gathered in a loose ball off a Notre Dame deflection and ripped a bending left-footed shot inside the right post to break through. Dexter’s fifth goal of the season gave the Panther a 1-0 lead that would hold up. 

UP NEXT

Pitt resumes action Friday, Oct. 20 when the team makes the trip to Charlottesville, Va., to take on the 10th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers.

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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