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Pitt roars back in second half to flip past Penn State, 2-1

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

Final: Pitt 2, Penn State 1

Match Stats

No. 3 Pitt Panthers men’s soccer team came roaring back in the second half, scoring twice to overcome a halftime deficit to defeat historic in-state rival Penn State, 2-1, on Friday night at Jeffrey Field in State College, PA.

The Panthers Guilherme Feitosa converted a penalty kick in the 60th minute of the match, then newcomer Casper Svendby converted a cross with a header that put the Blue and Gold on top for good.  Penn State’s Christian Dionne gave the home side the lead in the 38th minute.

With the win, Pitt improves to 3-0-0 on the young season, while Penn State drops to 1-2-0.

How It Happened

Despite a strong start for the Panthers in terms of dominance on the ball and pressuring goal, as they sent five shots in the first 30 minutes, it was Penn State, which would convert on its first, and only, shot chance of the half.

PSU would make the most of a free kick chance that originated from the far left side, just outside the box.

The Nittany Lions Sam Ovesen converged on a looping free kick into the box from the left side that started with some misdirection and attempted trickery.

Then Ovensen got to the ball first, then trickled over to an unmarked Dionne, who had plenty of room to send a shot that beat everyone in the box, primarily Pitt keeper Cabral Carter.

Pitt continued to push, playing on the front foot, using plenty of subs to keep legs fresh in Head Coach Jay Vidovich’s 4-2-4 formation designed to send wingers forward.

Eventually the Panthers drew a foul in the box on Penn State, setting up Feitosa with a penalty kick chance that would level the match at 1-1 in the 60th minute.

The Panthers kept the foot on the gas, playing off the momentum from their first goal, as Lasse Dahl made a run behind the widest Nittany Lions defender on the left side, then delivered a hard, bending cross to the far post side.

That’s where Svendby quickly took one step to his right to position himself perfectly, then headed the ball back against the grain to give Pitt a 2-1 lead.

As Penn State grew more frustrated with the turn of events and inability to generate chances, midfielder Caden Grabfelder was sent off in the 73rd minute, after his second booking for unsporting conduct, giving Pitt a man advantage for the remainder of the match.

The Panthers limited Penn State to one shot, from outside the box, to see out the victory in the Lions den.

Next Up

Pitt will now have a short turnaround, as they’ll travel to Philadelphia, where they’ll face Penn on Sunday to complete their Keystone State excursion this Labor Day weekend.

Team Totals
TEAM Shots SOG Saves Fouls Corners OffSides
13 3 2 7 7 4
5 3 2 11 3 2
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

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Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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