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Pitt men beat Longwood, 2-0, for first win

From University of Pittsburgh athletic department report

 

University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team earned its first win of the 2017 season Friday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The Panthers’ netted two goals in the second half to secure a 2-0 win over Longwood in non-conference action.

 

Junior Javi Perez recorded the first goal in the 76th minute off a penalty kick, while freshman Colin Brezniak netted the second in the 88th minute.

With the win, Pitt improves to 1-2-0 on the season while Longwood drops to 0-1-1 overall.

At the conclusion of the 90 minutes, the Panthers left the field with a 23-6 shot advantage while also drawing five corners to Longwood’s two.

“I liked that we attacked the goal tonight,” head coach Jay Vidovich said. “We were between the corners quite a bit and we created a lot of opportunities by turning the corner today. However, an unbelievable amount of improvement needs to go on inside the box like the timing of our runs and the quality of our finishing, but, I am very happy for the boys.”

The Panthers wasted no time on offense, rattling off 10 shots in the opening frame.

The aggression continued in the second half as Pitt dominated the offense registering 13 shots.

It wasn’t until the 76th minute that the Panthers would find the back of the net for the first time this season. A team captain, Perez stepped up to the challenge and sent it straight to the lower left corner.

In the 87th minute, Brezniak added on the insurance goal thanks to a cross from sophomore Josh Coan from the left side.

“I think what it does is it gives us a bit of release in terms of the anxiety of not having scored a goal the past two games,” Vidovich said. “It is preparing us for Loyola on Tuesday which is the next opportunity. It was a great group effort today. If we can do that, and we are prepared and we go into Loyola, I think that’s the biggest step for us getting reading for North Carolina next weekend.”

 Redshirt sophomore Mikal Outcalt made four saves on the night and earned his third career shutout.

 Pitt resumes action Monday, Sept. 4 when it makes the trip to Baltimore, Md., to take on Loyola. Non-conference action 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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