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Rico’s game-winner lifts Pitt women to 1-0 OT win over Morehead St

From University of Pittsburgh athletic department report / Kelly Dumrauf

 

A goal off the foot of freshman Anna Rico in the 103rd minute lifted the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team to a 1-0 double-overtime victory over Morehead State Sunday afternoon at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

Rico accepted a pass from Bel van Noorden at the top of the box in the second overtime, shooting the ball into the top left corner as the Panthers improve to 2-0 on the season. The goal is the second in as many games for Rico, who also scored Pitt’s first of the season Friday night against Ohio.

“For Anna it’s been two games and two goals for us already,” said head coach Randy Waldrum. “We knew when we got her that that’s the kind of player we were getting. She, individually, can change the game. She can break it down, she can play with the team, but then when you need a moment like that, she is always looking for goal. That’s why you teach young players to shoot any time you have a chance because anything can happen, and certainly that’s what happened tonight. Their goalkeeper played well the entire game. We got a good deflection of our shot and the game winner. So, I would rather win it a little earlier, personally, so my heart stays intact, but overtime wins are always exciting.”

Pitt kept the pressure on for the majority of the contest, outshooting the Eagles a whopping 29-6, including a mark of 16-3 in the first half. Rico led the way with nine of her own, including six on goal, while Taylor Pryce (5) and van Noorden (4) each helped the offense.

Keeper Amaia Pena tallied four saves, as the Pitt defense held the Eagles to just four shots on goal.

With the victory, the Panthers improve to 2-0 on the season.

They’ll return to action Friday, hosting Kent State in the third game of a four-game homestand. The weekend will come to a close Sunday when the Panthers welcome Jacksonville.

 

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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