Kizza’s brace leads Pitt to thrilling 2OT win vs Clemson

Pitt 2, Clemson 1 (2 OT)

Box Score 

From University of Pittsburgh report / Matt Keenan

Sophomore Edward Kizza scored two goals on the night as the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team recorded a 2-1 double overtime victory against Clemson Friday at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

The win improves Pitt’s record to 6-5-0 [2-3-0 ACC] on the season, with all five losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents. The loss drops the Tigers to 5-5-1 [0-4-0 ACC] on the year.

Kizza opened up his offensive attack early, netting his first goal in the 10^th minute. Clemson then knotted the game at one apiece in the 38^th minute before Kizza eventually added his second goal of the match, and team-high eighth of the season, to give Pitt the 2-1 win in double overtime.

Here’s the game winner.

???? The Winning Moment ????

⚽ Edward Kizza's second goal of the night and eighth for the season gives Pitt a 2-1 victory over Clemson in 2OT!#H2P pic.twitter.com/OX6iLWceSA

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) October 6, 2018

The first goal was a close range banger.

????????????????#H2P pic.twitter.com/0CIYzX2912

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) October 5, 2018

 

“He’s been a difference in a lot of games,” said head coach Jay Vidovich when asked about Kizza’s performance. “He’s a beast. He played full time, didn’t come off the pitch, and handled himself against two very good center backs. He’s just doing his job. Trying to keep the pressure on their backs at all times and to get in a chance like that I’m just happy with his improvement and what he is doing for our team.”

The Panthers opened the match with a strong offensive attack early on, matching shots with Clemson before Kizza scored his first goal in the 10^th minute off an assist from freshman Jackson Walti. Following the goal, the Tigers used a patient approach to earn more possession. The tactics eventually payed off as a Clemson goal in the 38^thminute evened the score.

The Panthers worked to regain their momentum in the second half of play, outshooting the Tigers 6-2, but were unable to capitalize on a few quality opportunities. Through 90 minutes of action, Pitt owned a 10-7 advantage in shots, but the Tigers controlled an 8-2 lead in corners.

In the first overtime period, Kizza sent in what looked to be the game-winning goal, but the play was called back after an offsides was whistled on Pitt. Neither team could get much going following the play, and the match headed to double overtime. 

In the final period, the Panthers earned a free kick from just outside the box in the opening minutes, but a shot by sophomore Marcony Pimentel went just left of the post. But just seconds later, Kizza would end up finding the back of the net after receiving a feed from senior Javi Perez, giving the Panthers the 2-1 win.

Kizza led the team with three shots and two scores, followed by Perez, Pimentel and sophomore Alexander Dexter with two shots apiece. Seniors Robby Dambrot and Tom Moxham and sophomore Jose Luis Sena Arbona also added one shot each in the match. 

In goal, freshman keeper Johan Penaranda allowed one goal while collecting two saves in more than 100 minutes of action.