From University of Pittsburgh athletic department report
Despite a strong first half performance, the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team fell to the 23rd-ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons by a score of 2-0 Friday evening at Spry Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.
“I am really pleased with how we played in the first half. It was unlucky not to get a goal or two,” said head coach Greg Miller. “The second half we did not do a good job keeping possession and gave up a lot of set pieces. The result was us defending a lot more and being back on our heels too much, and Wake Forest took advantage.”
“There are some real positives to take away, but we have to be more consistent moving forward.”
The first half was a defensive battle, as both teams had chances, but were unable to score. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Katelyn McEachernmade the biggest stop of the half in the 31st minute, deflecting a penalty kick attempt over the top of the net to keep things scoreless.
The Panthers had a few opportunities moments later, as a scramble in front of the cage nearly broke the tie, but the Demon Deacons would remain unscathed, as the teams headed into the break tied at 0-0.
Wake Forest would break things open in the second, registering the game’s first goal in the 54th minute after a long pass made its way onto the foot of Sofia Rossi. In the 70th minute, Wake Forest would extend its lead to 2-0 after a set piece goal from Maddie Huster.
McEachern finished the game with four saves, compared to two for the Demon Deacons. Offensively, Sarah Krause recorded two shots, while Ashley Moreira added one. As a team, Wake Forest out-shot Pitt 21-3 and had 14 corner kicks, compared to one for the Panthers. With the loss, Pitt falls to 3-4-2 (0-1-0 ACC).
UP NEXT
The Panthers return home to Ambrose Urbanic Field, hosting Virginia Tech on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Pitt will continue its stretch against ranked opponents, traveling to No. 4 Duke and hosting No. 5 Virginia the following week.