Pulse of Pittsburgh Soccer: Pittsburgh’s Division I college teams keep raising the bar

From the top of Robinson Street to Rooney Field and out in Moon Township, Pittsburgh’s Division I college soccer programs continue raising the bar.  This week, each program will face new challenges to stay in contention for conference postseason berths and possibly more.

Check out the full schedule below, as all the Division I teams are in action, as well as the Riverhounds, who are in desperate need for three points when they head to Miami as they close out the regular season trying to make it over the playoff line.  Any losses though will be tough to overcome.

For more on the Hounds’ plight, be sure to check out our coverage from this past weekend’s draw vs Birmingham and their playoff chances outlined on Monday.

USL Championship Playoff Race: Riverhounds face an uphill climb

Back to the college teams…   leading the way, Jay Vidovich’s Pitt men’s soccer team have bounced back in a big way from (by their standards) a mediocre 2023 campaign, racing out to the 8-1-0 record (4-0-0 in ACC) against some very tough competition, earning a No. 1 ranking in both the United Soccer Coaches poll and also they’re now the No. 1 rated team in the RPI.   After facing Howard on Wednesday night, they have a very tough test at home on Monday, when Denver (No. 3 in USC poll), visits Ambrose Urbanic Field in a non-conference match that may be important in terms of NCAA tournament seeding.

Pitt Men’s Soccer remains on top in latest United Soccer Coaches poll and RPI

The other college programs are all experiencing strong seasons and continuation of keeping the bar raised, as all are currently in good position to earn postseason trips.  In fact, at the moment, all three men’s Division I teams are sitting in first place in their respective conferences.

Here’s a snapshot of each program:

Pitt Women (7-3-2, 1-2-1 – 11th in ACC) – Sitting in 11th place in a 17-team ACC, the Panthers were on the front foot at times in both matches at Cal and Stanford this past weekend, coming out of the 0-1L-1D California trip knowing they have work to do to get back into contention for a top-six finish, and a spot in the ACC Championship.

Duquesne Men (7-1-1, 2-0-0 – 1st in A10) – Chase Brooks recently earned the distinction for being Duquesne’s all-time leader in wins among coaches who’ve been at the helm on the Bluff.

Duquesne Women (7-3-0, 2-2-0 – 7th in A10) – The Dukes shouldn’t let Sunday’s loss at Dayton stand in the way of what’s been a very positive campaign for Al Alvine’s team, as they’re currently sitting in the middle of A10 standings, with a chance to push higher as they hit the homestretch of the season.

Robert Morris Men (5-3-2, 2-0-1 – 1st in Horizon League) – The Colonials are unbeaten in five of their last six matches, building momentum following their big ‘cross-tahn’ Derby win vs Duquesne. The Gilley brothers have been exciting additions to the team this season, helping lead the attack especially in the past few matches.

Robert Morris Women (3-4-3,  2-1-1 – 3rd in Horizon League) – In her first season in Moon, Michelle Rick has the Colonials near the top of the Horizon League after four matches.  The schedule will only get tougher, but this group has shown through the season they will battle to the end of every match, even finding second half goals when needed.

PITTSBURGH SOCCER SCHEDULE (10/2/2024 – 10/9/2024)

John Krysinsky

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).