Pitt men’s soccer falls in latest United Soccer Coaches poll

Pitt Men’s Soccer fell five spots in the United Soccer Coaches Poll on Tuesday, clocking in at No. 8 after making their poll debut at No. 3 last week.

The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, falling 1-0 on the road against Penn. The Quakers broke the ice late in the first half and then settled into the game, devoting much of their attention to defense and limiting the Panthers to just two shots on goal the entire game.

Falling behind early on the road was a common theme last week. Pitt harassed Penn State goalkeeper Andrew Cooke throughout the first half in Happy Valley on Friday, but it was the Nittany Lions who went to the break with a lead. The Panthers finally got through Cooke in the second half, scoring a pair of goals to eke out the road win.

Even with a 1-1 week, playing two unranked opponents meant the Panthers didn’t get any slack once the poll debuted. Pitt also dropped two spots in the Top Drawer Soccer poll, falling from No. 10 to No. 12.

Pitt Men’s Soccer will begin ACC play in the lone match they play this week, heading to the Lone Star State to face new conference opponent SMU at 8 pm EDT Saturday.

Meanwhile, down Route 79, West Virginia men’s soccer earned its first ever Number One ranking in both the United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer soccer poll.

For more on WVU’s ranking check out WV Sports Now.   The Panthers and Mountaineers will not play each other this regular season.

Griffin Floyd