Vidovich Era Begins at #Pitt With Scoreless Draw vs Detroit 

From University of PGH Athletic Department reports…
 PITTSBURGH – The Pitt men’s soccer team officially opened the 2016 campaign Friday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field and played to a scoreless double overtime draw with Detroit.

 
Although the Panthers were unable to get any past Detroit goalkeeper Robbie Beckwell, Pitt was in command the majority of the game, making the Titans play their game.
 

“I saw a team that’s growing, improving, making strikes and that’s ready to compete and try to win all of the way through 90 minutes and into overtime,” first year head coach Jay Vidovich said. “We have to work on creating better chances and better ideas in the final third. We also need to have a bit more composure in the final third as we play and just understand that the difference between winning and losing is a small one.”

 
The Panthers came out in the opening half ready for battle, attempting eight shots while Detroit took five, and spent the majority of the half on the Titans’ side taking four corner kicks. Sixteen minutes in, freshman Josh Coan sent a ball in but was saved by Beckwell.
 
The second half featured continued control from the Pitt offense as it recorded five more shots, but they wouldn’t be enough to end the game after 90 minutes.
 
In the first overtime, junior Roosevelt Angulo attempted the lone shot from Pitt that was blocked by the Titan defense.
 
Entering the 100th minute of the game, sophomore Matt Nozedar attempted the second shot on goal by the Panthers, but it was saved by Rockwell. In the 108th minute, Nozedar fed a ball to Coan from the left side but Coan was just off and hit the post.
 

“Our guys were fantastic, fighting right until the end and creating chances,” Vidovich said. “The ball that Matt Nozedar knocked into Josh Coan in the last bit was saved by the post, but teams that win put that away. I’m confident that we’re going to get better at creating those chances and that we will win.”

Redshirt freshman Mikal Outcalt earned his first career shutout at the conclusion of 110 minutes with four saves.
 
The Panthers resume action at Ambrose Urbanic Field in the Petersen Complex Sunday, Aug. 28 as they host Howard at 7 p.m.

John Krysinsky

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).