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Pitt men to feature on new ACC Network vs Akron

Pitt’s men’s soccer team will be featured on the new ACC Network television platform in the 2019 season, as announced by league officials Friday.

ACC Network, a new 24/7 national platform launching Aug. 22, will provide coverage for the Panthers’ home match against Akron Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

In total, the network will televise 18 regular season ACC men’s soccer matches in its debut year, while also providing coverage for 10 ACC Tournament games.

Pitt will face a tough opponent in Akron, who advanced to the College Cup Championship in 2018. The Zips finished the season ranked second in the United Soccer Coaches Poll while placing fourth in RPI.

The Panthers’ 2019 roster features 14 players from last season’s squad in senior Alex Peperak, juniors Alexander DexterEdward KizzaJose Luis Sena Arbona and Chad Stout, redshirt sophomore Tim Townsend, sophomores Rodrigo AlmeidaJohan PenarandaNyk SessockAlexander SteinbachChandler Vaughn and Jackson Walti and redshirt freshmen Anthony Harding and Alec Townsend.

Two of those returnees earned All-ACC accolades following the conclusion of the 2018 season in Kizza and Vaughn. Kizza collected First Team All-ACC honors after finishing the season tied for third in school history in goals (15) and ranking fifth in points (30). Vaughn was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team after appearing in 18 matches for the Panthers while making 15 starts and recording two assists in his inaugural campaign.

Pitt’s roster also welcomes five newcomers to the fold in senior Braden Kline, redshirt junior Arie Ammann, junior Matt Bailey and freshmen Luke Mort (Greensburg Central Catholic) and Veljko Petkovic.

Kline joins the Panthers after spending three seasons at Providence. Ammann comes to Pitt following three years at Penn State, while Bailey moves to Pittsburgh after two season at UMBC. Mort and Petkovic join Pitt after graduating from Greensburg Central Catholic and Maspeth High School, respectively.

Pitt finished the 2018 season with an 8-10-1 overall record and a 2-6 mark against ACC foes. The Panthers collected two wins against ranked opponents on the year, including its first-ever ACC Tournament victory over No. 7 Virginia. The squad advanced to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, where it eventually fell to No. 8 Duke in a penalty kick shootout.

For more information on the ACC Network’s upcoming coverage of men’s soccer and added features, please click here.

ACC Network carriage agreements are already in place with the following video providers: Altice, DIRECTV, Google Fiber, Hulu Live TV, Optimum, PlayStation Vue, Suddenlink, TVision and Verizon Fios, among others. All ACCN games will also be available on the ESPN App to authenticated cable subscribers. Fans interested in learning more about ACCN can visit www.GetACCN.com.

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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