FINAL: Pitt 2, No. 1 Virginia 0
For the first time in program history the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team upset the No. 1 team in the country. The Panthers shutout top-ranked Virginia, 2-0, Friday night at Klöckner Stadium.
With the win, Pitt improves to 7-5-2 overall and 3-2-1 against ACC foes. Virginia, suffering its first loss of the season, moves to 11-1-1 overall and 4-1-1 in conference play.
“What a great win on the road over the No. 1 team in the country,” said head coach Jay Vidovich. “I’m proud of our guys effort and execution.”
The win is the first over a top-ranked team, as the highest ranked opponent the Panthers previously defeated was No. 2 St. John’s in 2000.
Two different Pitt players netted goals in the upset in senior Braden Kline and freshman Veljko Petkovic. The two goals were the third and fourth that Virginia has allowed this season.
In goal, sophomore Johan Penaranda earned the clean shirt in just his third game of the year, making four saves through the 90 minutes.
Kline got the Panthers on the board in the 21st minute as he received a long pass from freshman Valentin Noel. Kline needed just one strike with his left foot to put the ball past the Virginia goalkeeper for his first goal of the season.
Pitt leads #1 Virginia 1-0 thanks to Braden Kline!
💻: https://t.co/3zMCmvecAi#H2P pic.twitter.com/Mt2ZIYllJw
— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) October 18, 2019
Pitt struck again in the 60th minute thanks to Petkovic. Kline sent a pass into the box to junior Edward Kizza in transition. As the Cavalier defenders approached, Kizza dished it to Petkovic who buried the ball for the second and final goal of the night. The goal was the fifth of the year for Petkovic.
60' | GOOOAAAALLLLL!!!
Pitt goes ahead 2-0!!!#H2P pic.twitter.com/PV3Q2pFt8w
— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) October 19, 2019
Petkovic now has a team second-best 15 points on the year, while Kizza continues to lead the team with 20 points.
The win is the second consecutive over Virginia as the Panthers knocked the Cavaliers out of the ACC Tournament a year ago in Charlottesville. Virginia still leads the series, 7-2-1.
Pitt returns to Ambrose Urbanic Field Friday, Oct. 25 to host Duke for its final home regular season game at 7 p.m.
The Panthers conclude the regular season Friday, Nov. 1 at Notre Dame before entering postseason play.