Pitt Men’s soccer selected as ACC Coastal Division Favorites in coaches poll

Pitt men’s soccer has featured as one of the best in the ACC over the past few seasons. So, it’s no surprise that In the recent ACC Coaches Poll, they received the most votes as the favorite to win the Coastal Division on Wednesday.

The Panthers have won at least a share of the ACC Coastal Division Title in two of the past three seasons, accruing 17 wins, five losses and four draws over that time. They received five first place votes, which is more than both Duke and Virginia, who each received two votes, and North Carolina, who received one vote.

Pitt received one vote to win the ACC, with Clemson receiving the most votes with six, Wake Forest coming in second receiving two and then Duke, Virginia and reigning National Champions Syracuse receiving one.

For their ACC opponents, Pitt faces Wake Forest, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Duke at home, while traveling to take on Boston College, Syracuse, Virginia and Notre Dame.

Pitt comes into 2023 ranked No. 5 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and takes on rival Penn State next Thursday, Aug. 24 at Ambrose Urbanic Field to kick off the season.

Panthers senior midfielder Filip Mirkovic also made the 2023 ACC Preseason Watch List, the only Panther to do so.

Mirkovic, who is also on the United Soccer Coaches midfielder to watch list, is one of the best midfielders in the country, especially with his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He made 12 assists in 2022, a program record of a Panthers in a single season, and his .60 assists per game finished as No. 7 in the nation.

He placed on the First Team All-ACC and All-South Region Team thanks to his great play last season.

Mirkovic played a large role in helping Pitt reach their third straight Elite Eight and their second ever College Cup appearance. He has made 59 appearances and 55 starts in his Pitt career, making 19 assists and scoring nine goals. Those 19 assists and his 0.32 assists per game are both fourth best in program history.