Kizza scores fifth goal of season to lead Pitt to 1-0 matinee win at VCU

From University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department report 

Pittsburgh men’s soccer team earned a 1-0 win over VCU Wednesday afternoon at SportsBackers Stadium.

The victory improved Pitt’s record to 2-3 (0-1 ACC) on the season, with all three losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents. The loss dropped the Rams to 3-3 on the year.

The lone goal of the match was scored in the 21^st minute, with sophomore Edward Kizza adding his fifth goal of the season off an assist by sophomore Marcony Pimentel.

???? | Check out Kizza’s first half goal that led to Pitt’s victory over VCU!#H2P pic.twitter.com/UTSocHATOv

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) September 12, 2018

Both squads put pressure on the opposing team’s defense out of the gate, with Pitt leading VCU 3-2 in shots early in the match before Kizza found the back of the net off a feed from Pimentel in the 21^st minute. By the break, both teams had collected seven shots, with the Panthers leading 4-1 in shots on goal.

Looking to bounce back in the second half, the Rams were aggressive out of the break. The VCU offense tallied nine shots in the final 45 minutes of action, compared to Pitt’s three, but was unable to find the back of the net before the closing seconds.

Pimentel finished the match with a team-high four shots and one assist, while senior Javi Perez and redshirt freshman Fiorre Mane notched two shots apiece. Kizza and sophomore Alexander Dexter each added one shot, with Kizza contributing the lone goal of the day.

In net, freshman keeper Alexander Steinbach earned his first start of the season, collecting five saves while shutting out the Rams offense in 90 minutes of action, including this save late in the match. 

Fortia Munts with another good try here late. Pitt hanging on 1-0, 85'

Watch: https://t.co/bL4cXt1O2q#ThisIsRamNation #LetsGoVCU pic.twitter.com/Fi4GeUWJpe

— VCU Men's Soccer (@VCUMensSoccer) September 12, 2018

Up next, after cancellation of this Friday’s tilt with NC State due to Hurricane Florence, the Panthers will return home to host Detroit Mercy Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Ambrose Urbanic Field in the Petersen Sports Complex.