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Pitt men’s soccer begin preseason unranked for the first time since 2019

The Pitt men’s soccer program has made remarkable strides since Jay Vidovich took over nearly a decade ago.

But, for the first time since 2019, the Panthers will start the season somewhat under the radar, as they were not included in the United Soccer Coaches poll released on Tuesday.  Eight fellow ACC programs did make the Top 25 (1-Clemson, 5-Stanford, 6-North Carolina, 13-Virginia, 15-Wake Forest, 20-Duke, 24-Louisville & 25-Syracuse).

Pitt’s players took to Ambrose Urbanic Field on Monday to begin full team training, as the Panthers set their sights on bouncing back from what was considered to be a down year for the program in 2023, though the Panthers still qualified for the NCAA tournament.

The Panthers will embark on a fairly home-friendly schedule this season, starting with a preseason scrimmage on Saturday, when University of Maryland will visit Ambrose Urbanic Field (1 p.m. kickoff).

Pitt men’s soccer announces 2024 home-friendly schedule

The Panthers will travel to Akron for the final preseason friendly on August 16, then will open up the season at home on August 22, by hosting Georgetown, who was ranked 16th in the United Soccer Coaches Poll released on Tuesday.

“We’re excited for another challenging slate with this combination of conference and non-conference opponents,” Vidovich said in July regarding the schedule.

“Particularly in the ACC, we’re thrilled to face SMU and Cal during their inaugural season in the league. As usual, I expect the conference to be strong and potentially even better than it’s been in the past. Out of conference, we’ll play several tough opponents, including Georgetown, Denver and High Point at home. We’ll also travel for road matches at Penn State and Penn, which are two quality teams. Overall, we expect the 2024 campaign to be a challenge, but we’ll look to rise to the occasion.”

The Panthers return 19 players from a year ago, including three (junior defender Jackson Gilman, senior defender Mateo Maillefaud and junior goalkeeper Cabral Carter) who competed in all 17 matches. Of note, Carter ranked fourth in the ACC in shutouts (6) and saves per game (3.35) last season.

Offensively, the Panthers return 70 percent (21-of-30) of their goal production and five of their top seven goal scorers. Additionally, returning players accounted for 56 percent (20-of-36) of Pitt’s assists last year as the team ended the 2023 season ranked third in the ACC and 20th nationally in assists per game (2.12).

Vidovich and his staff were busy through the Winter, Spring and early Summer locking down more new recruits, as the roster rounded into form by late spring, with a handful new additions.

For full roster, click here.

With a handful more additions, Pitt men’s soccer roster rounding into form for 2024 campaign

In addition to those reported by Pittsburgh Soccer Now in the above article, here are a few late additions.

Look for more coverage of Pitt men’s soccer through the preseason, including features and guest interviews on Sounding Off on Soccer podcast and/or our YouTube Channel, as we are happy to share that Griffin Floyd will be joining the Pitt men’s soccer beat, providing coverage of most every home match.  

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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

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Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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