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Caitlyn Lazzarini’s well-earned clean sheet solidifies Pitt’s opening win vs Gonzaga, 1-0

Photo courtesy Pitt Women's Soccer Twitter

FInal: PItt 1, Gongaza 0

Game Stats

From University of Pittsburgh and Gonzaga University reports 

Amanda West delivered a second-half goal and Caitlyn Lazzarini made a career-high 10 saves as the Pitt women’s soccer team (1-0-0) shut out Gonzaga (0-1-1), 1-0, Thursday at South Campus Stadium in the opening game of the Rumble in the Rockies.

Pitt’s all-time leader in points and goals, West found the back of the net for the 34th time in her career in the 57th minute, scoring on a rebound off a shot by Landy Mertz.

The goal proved to be all the offense Pitt needed thanks to the efforts of Lazzarini. She kept the contest scoreless heading into the halftime break courtesy of six saves in the opening 45 minutes of play.

She made two more key stops in the final 17 minutes of play to preserve the one-goal advantage for the Panthers.

The Panthers prevailed despite Gonzaga holding the edge in shots (17-16) and shots on goal (10-5).

Pitt had a 6-5 advantage in corner opportunities. West and Sarah Schupansky tied for the team lead in shots with four apiece, with West leading the squad with three on goal. Mertz, Ellie Coffield, Anna Bout and Ashton Gordon each accounted for two shots apiece.

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Pitt closes out the Rumble in the Rockies and its trip to Missoula when it takes on host Montana on Sunday at 6 p.m. (ET).

PITT NOTES

  • Pitt prevailed over Gonzaga in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
  • The Panthers improved to 17-7-3 record in season openers dating back to the program’s inaugural season in 1996. Pitt has now won its last six season openers dating back to 2017.
  • Pitt is a perfect 5-0 in season openers under the direction of fifth-year head coach Randy Waldrum.
  • Pitt’s starting lineup consisted of West, Mertz, Coffield, Bout, Gordon, Lazzarini, Sarah Schupansky, Leah Pais, Emily Yaple, Hailey Davidson and Athalie Palomo.
  • A trio of Panthers made their Pitt debuts in the win over Gonzaga. Freshmen Fleming Dean and Katie Zailski made their collegiate debuts while sophomore transfer Samiah Phiri saw action in the Blue & Gold for the first time after transferring from Oklahoma State.
  • West has now totaled 158 career shots, putting her third all-time in program history.
  • Lazzarini recorded her third career shutout and improved her career record to 3-3-0.
Related Topics

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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