Postgame Reaction & Highlights: Indiana ousts Pitt, 1-0, in College Cup Semifinal

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup Semifinal Postgame Reaction & Highlights 

FINAL: Indiana 1, Pitt 0 

GAME STATS

Soccer can be a cruel game sometimes.

Pitt found out the hard way on Friday night, losing to the Indiana Hoosiers, 1-0, as Herbert Endeley’s goal in the 79th minute broke a deadlock to lead Indiana to the men’s soccer national championship played at WakeMed Park in Cary, North Carolina.

FINAL: Indiana 1, Pitt 0

Despite being on the front foot for long portions of the match, Pitt couldn’t find the back of the net against a resilient Indiana side that has found ways to advance in close matches throughout it’s run to the NCAA’s College Cup.

“Tremendous battle today. Hats off to Indiana. I am proud of our guys. That’s how game goes sometimes,” Pitt’s Head Coach Jay Vidovich said. “Sure felt like we dominated game. Sometimes team that dominates doesn’t always win. That’s a lesson for our guys.”

When asked what Indiana did well, Vidovich’s response was straight, and to the point.

“They’re a team that’s very solid defensively. They kept numbers in front of them, and they counter-attacked.” Vidovich stated.

The Hoosiers, who now have only allowed five goals in 15 games this season, finished with seven total shots (Pitt held the edge 14-7 in total shots), with both teams getting just two on frame, with one of those coming from Endeley’s strike late in the second half.

Gutsy performance from the boys tonight. We’re going to the NATTY! One more to go! #StillHere pic.twitter.com/ez2EJVELdp

— Victor Bezerra (@vbezerra7) May 15, 2021

The Hoosiers will now play the surprising team of the tournament, Marshall, in the NCAA Men’s Final will be played on Monday, May 17, at 8 p.m.  The Thundering Herd defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels, 1-0 in the early match.

Despite the loss, the Panthers made a statement in this most unprecedented season, getting to the College Cup for the first time in program history.

“We showed that we’re not just here for a short stint at the top,” Sophomore midfielder and Pitt’s team captain, Jackson Walti. said.

“We’re here to stay.”

Look for more postgame analysis/breakdown over the weekend on Pittsburgh Soccer Now.  

Postgame Press Conference on Pittsburgh Sports Live

Here’s full postgame press conference with Pitt’s Jay Vidovich, Midfielder Jackson Walti and Indiana’s Todd Yeaghley.

Highlights