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Egbo’s early goal lifts No. 4 Akron past Pitt men, 1-0

Former Kiski School standout David Egbo (Photo - Akron Univ. Athletic Dept)

From University of Pittsburgh and University of Akron reports

Pitt men’s soccer team went toe-to-toe with No. 4 Akron Saturday night at Cub Cadet Field, losing 1-0 as a fifth minute strike from former Kiski School standout, David Egbo was the difference.

The loss drops Pitt to 1-2-0 on the season, with both losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents.

It was the first win of the season for the Zips (1-1-1) for a program that made a run last year to the NCAA’s College Cup.

 Egbo, who was the 2017 Gatorade Pennsylvania High School Player of the Year, scored his team-leading third goal of the season off a strong pass into the box by sophomore Daniel Strachan to give Akron a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers closed the match with advantages in shots (13-9) and corners (7-4), but were unable to rebound from the early Akron goal.

Both teams went on the attack to start the match, with the Panthers recording two early shots before Akron’s goal in the fifth minute. Pitt continued its aggressive play, out shooting the Zips 9-1 in the first 45 minutes of play, but was unable to take advantage of its first half looks.

The second half showed more even play from both teams. A couple of impressive late saves by freshman keeper Johan Penaranda kept the Panthers within reach of the Zips, but Pitt was ultimately unable to find the back of the net before the closing seconds.

Senior Javi Perez led the Panthers in shots for the match, finishing with four. Redshirt senior Robby Dambrot and sophomore’s Alexander Dexter and Jose Luis Sena Arbona all finished with two shots, while redshirt senior Shane Wiedt and sophomore’s Edward Kizza and Marcony Pimentel each recorded one a piece.

In goal, Penaranda finished the match with three saves while allowing one goal in 90 minutes of action.

Up next, the Panthers will face their third ranked opponent of the season when they open ACC play against No. 12 North Carolina Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. at Koskinen Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.

 

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