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Moving Up: Pitt leaps to No. 2 in United Soccer Coaches Poll

Pitt men’s soccer team (2-0-0) moved up five spots to No. 2 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, as announced by the organization Tuesday evening. Pitt also earned one first place vote in the poll.

 

Pitt has now earned a ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll in 34 straight weeks including being ranked in the top-10 in 29 of those weeks. The Panthers have also spent eight weeks as the No. 1 team in the nation since the poll began in 1996.

 

The Panthers opened up their 2022 campaign with back-to-back victories over top-10 opponents as they knocked off No. 2 Georgetown and No. 6 West Virginia. It marked the first time in program history the Panthers have opened the season with two straight wins over nationally ranked opponents.

 

Pitt secured a season-opening victory at home Thursday night as they downed then No. 2 Georgetown 2-1 behind goals by Bertin Jacquesson and Valentin Noel. Jacquesson finished with a goal and assist while Lucas Rosa also added an assist in the win for Pitt.

 

On Monday night, the Panthers improved to 2-0 as they collected a dominant 3-0 victory over No. 6 West Virginia in the 51st edition of the Backyard Brawl game. The Panthers netted three first half goals to secure the victory as Noel, Rosa and Jacquesson all found the back of the net while goalkeeper Joe van der Sar made five saves in his first career clean sheet.

No. 2 Pitt returns to the field Friday, Sept. 2 as they head to Huntington, WV to take on No. 11 Marshall at Hoops Family Field. First kick is set for 7:15 pm and the match will air live on ESPN+.

 

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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