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Second half surge lifts Pitt past Loyola Marymount, 3-0

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

Pitt women’s soccer team faced a familiar early match challenge, but once again grew into the match to outlast Loyola Marymount, 3-0, at Sullivan Field in Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday afternoon.

Rylee Keeley, Samiah Phiri and Emily Graeca each scored while Sarah Schupansky added two assists.  Ellie Breech made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

With the win, Pitt improves to 3-1-1 overall in the early, non-conference portion of the season.

Despite holding a 7-5 edge in shots in the first half, with the three shots on target, Pitt could not break through for the go-ahead goal, as the match went to the half as a tight, scoreless affair.

Looking to find chances around the edges, Pitt continued bringing pressure, which finally paid off in the 63rd minute when Schupansky, pinned in the left corner, changed direction, then went to her right, sending an in-swinging cross over to the far post area, connecting with Rylee Keeley, who drove her header chance into the back of the net.

In the 77th minute, LMU keeper JJ Hoover sent a long goal kick to the center of the field, where Pitt defender Katie Zailski won a header which bounced to Schupansky, who quickly turned and sent a long, direct ball toward the box.  As Hoover attempted to get a ball redirected back from an LMU defender, Phiri jumped the passing lane, then turned toward goal and slid the ball into the goal to give Pitt a 2-0 lead.

The Panthers weren’t done.

Moments later, in the 82nd minute, they capitalized on a corner kick opportunity, playing a clever near post attempt off the foot of Schupansky.  This time, it was Graeca, former Dubois High School and Steel City FC standout, who got a head on the ball with a perfect placement just inside the left post and outside the outstretched arms of Hoover.

The Panthers will remain in California, and will have a few days between matches, as they’ll face Cal State Fullerton on Sunday, at 5 p.m. (ET).

Match Totals

TEAM Shots SOG Saves Fouls Corners OffSides
18 9 3 9 6 3
13 3 6 4 3 3

 

 

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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).

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Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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