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Pitt men take ‘another step’ in beating No. 22 Virginia Tech

Photo credit: University of Pittsburgh athletics

FINAL: PItt 3, Virginia Tech 1

BOX SCORE (PDF)

from University of Pittsburgh athletic department report

Pitt’s men’s soccer team defeated No. 22 Virginia Tech for the first time in program history Friday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

With the win, the Panthers improve to 6-4-2 overall and 2-2-1 against conference foes. The Hokies move to 6-3-2 overall and 0-3-2 in ACC play.

Three different Pitt players scored in the win including freshmen Valentin NoelVeljko Petkovic and junior Edward Kizza.

 “It’s another step,” said head coach Jay Vidovich. “It’s a double-step. One was to beat Virginia Tech. It’s also where we are in the ACC, it’s an important win to now be 2-2-1. So that’s good and getting us some points that way, and keeping us alive for ambitions in the ACC as well as trying to claw our way into the national limelight. It was a key win for us.”

The Panthers were in control the majority of the match, finishing with an 18-12 advantage in shots. Pitt concluded the first half a 10-2 edge, but was out-shot in the second, 10-8.

After a scoreless first half, Pitt struck in the 72nd minute and didn’t look back.

Noel got the scoring going, breaking past numerous Virginia Tech defenders and buried the ball into the bottom right corner.

Just a minute later Kizza took a chance on a shot from the ride side while nearing the end line, got the shot off and it deflected off the keeper for the score.

Petkovic added the third and final goal in the 75th minute. The freshman received a pass from Kizza at the top of the box and ripped a shot with his left foot, beating the VT keeper.

Kizza and Petkovic now lead the Panthers with 19 and 12 points, respectively. Noel ranks fourth with eight points.

The Panthers hit the road for the first time in two weeks as they head to Penn State Tuesday, Oct. 7 p.m.

 

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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