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Pitt men’s soccer releases spring schedule; season to resume in February

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

Are you ready for some more Pitt soccer?

Head Coach Jay Vidovich and the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer program announced the 2021 spring schedule today after a successful Fall campaign that included an appearance in the ACC Championship game and first-ever number one ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.

Pitt took another step forward with impressive Fall campaign, but there’s more work to do

The spring schedule is a continuation of the 2020 fall season and will count toward this year’s NCAA Championship Tournament.

The NCAA College Cup was moved from December 13, 2020 to May 13-17, 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The College Cup will take place in Cary, N.C.

Pitt welcomes defending national champion Georgetown Saturday, Feb. 13 in an exhibition match starting at 3 p.m. Last season (2019), the Panthers defeated Lehigh in the NCAA Championship Tournament first round at home before falling to Georgetown in the second round in Washington, D.C.

The regular season kicks off with back-to-back home games beginning Saturday, Feb. 20 against Akron (3 p.m.) and against crosstown foes Duquesne Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

This will be the first time Pitt has played city rival Duquesne in a regular season match since Sept. 16, 2012. The Panthers last played them in an exhibition Aug. 17, 2019.

Following its back-to-back home outings, Pitt travels to North Carolina and begins ACC play against the Tar Heels Friday, March 5 at 7 p.m. The Panthers return home the next weekend and plays host to Boston College Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m.

Pitt ends the month of March on the road for two straight away contests, traveling to Duke Friday, March 19 for a 7 p.m. start and at Virginia Tech Saturday, March 27 at 1 p.m. Pitt defeated both teams in the fall, most recently the Blue Devils in the ACC Championship Quarterfinal.

The Panthers end the regular season at home, playing host to Notre Dame Saturday, April 3 and Virginia Thursday, April 8. Both games will kick-off at 7 p.m.

Due to ongoing changes from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACC announced a Divisional Championship, given to the top seeds of the Atlantic and Coastal divisions in the ACC.

The top seeds of each respective division will square off at a location to be determined, with the winner facing Clemson Sunday, April 18 (12 p.m.) for the ACC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament. Clemson defeated Pitt in the ACC Championship Final in November, securing the right to play in the automatic qualifier game.

The NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament will begin with first round action Saturday, April 24 and run through May 17. The bracket will consist of 36 teams, 24 being automatic qualifiers.

At this time, no fans are allowed inside Ambrose Urbanic Field due to the ongoing pandemic. Updates on this nature will be provided on Pitt’s athletic website and social media.

Pitt finished the 2020 fall campaign 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The 7-0 start to a season is the best in program history, while the four ACC victories is tied for most since joining the league in 2013. The Panthers registered a milestone only two other Pitt athletic teams have accomplished, that being the No. 1 ranking in its respective sports’ poll. Pitt was named No. 1 on Oct. 20 and held that spot for five weeks. The latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, dated Nov. 24, ranked the Panthers No. 2 in the country.

PITT MEN’S SOCCER SPRING 2020 SCHEDULE 

vs Georgetown (Exhibition) – February 13

vs Akron – Feb. 20

vs Duquesne – Feb. 27

@ North Carolina – March 5

vs Boston College – March 12

@ Duke – March 19

@ Virginia Tech – March 27

vs Notre Dame – April 3

vs Virginia – April 8

 

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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