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Pitt men’s soccer roars back with three 2nd half goals to win ACC opener at SMU, 3-1

ACC Men’s Soccer

FINAL: No. 8 Pitt 3, No. 22 SMU 1

Match Stats

No. 8 Pitt men’s soccer team took on a new ACC challenger, No. 22 Southern Methodist University, on the road, and came away with a 3-1 win following three unanswered second half goals.

After surrendering an early first half goal, the Panthers (4-1-1, 1-0-0 in ACC) saw goals from Luis Sahmkow, Casper Grening and Albert Thorsen while goalkeeper Cabral Carter posted five saves.  SMU’s lone goal was scored by Jaylinn Mitchell.

The first half was pretty evenly played, but the Mustangs got a leg up just seven minutes into the match, as Mitchell got behind the Panthers back line, then found room to slot a right footed shot past Panthers’ keeper Cabral Carter.  The sequence began as Pitt had trouble clearing the ball out of the final third, as SMU’s Bailey Sparks won the ball back, then used some clever moves on the ball, then delivered a through ball that cut through a tight line through a crowded pack of players just outside the box.

Pitt held a 6-5 edge in shots in the first 45 minutes, but could only muster one shot on frame, while SMU four chances, with Carter making three first half saves.

The Panthers came out in the second half with an added sense of urgency, finding numerous chances right from the start in what became a bit more of an open-ended affair including a near breakaway moment from Sahmkow.

Emblematic of that breakneck pace, the Panthers make the most of a lightning fast counter chance into the box, as Luis Sahmkow was there at the far post as 10 brought the ball forward then laid off a ball to the left for 11, who cut past the last defender then sent a low cross to the far post.

The frantic nature of the match continued to play in favor of Pitt, as their high press paid off as

Mateo Maillefaud won a ball on the left edge of the final third, then quickly played a one-touch pass to Guilherme Feitosa who then found midfielder Lasse Dahl in stride on the left corner.  Dahl then cut back a hard-lining pass to the top center of the box for an unmarked Casper Grening, who found room to slot a shot inside the right post to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

It was the transfer from Kentucky’s first goal as a Panther.

The Panthers weren’t done.

In the 76th minute, Dahl delivered a long cross from the left side that caught Albert Thorsen behind his mark.  From there, Thorsen fired a one-time shot that smacked the back of the net to give Pitt a commanding 3-1 lead.

The Panthers were outshot 17-15 by the Mustangs (who also had 7-5 edge in shots on frame), but were more efficient and dangerous in the final third in earning its first ACC win of the season.

A year ago, Pitt did not win single road match, but this year, they’re off to a solid start, rebounding from last Sunday’s loss at Penn, and now have two road wins against Power Five Conference teams (Penn State and now SMU).

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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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