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Defensive blunder, missed chances haunt No. 1 Pitt in first conference loss to Cal, 1-0

FINAL: Cal 1, Pitt 0

Match Stats 

A bit off the pace in its attack and mired by a costly mistake out of the back, No. 1 Pitt Panthers succumbed to Cal Bears for its first ACC loss of the season at Ambrose Urbanic Field on Friday night.

Despite putting a fair amount of pressure on goal, with an 18-4 shots of goal (8-2 on frame) and a 12-1 advantage on corner kicks taken, the Panthers couldn’t find an answer to a first half goal allowed coming while having trouble playing the ball out of the back.

With its first loss since September 1 and first against ACC competition, the Panthers drop to 4-1-0 in conference play.

In the 20th minute, Cal’s Nonso Adimabua took advantage of a careless Pitt effort playing the ball out of the back goalkeeper Cabral Carter, sensing that both of Pitt’s center back who broke out wide were covered by Cal press, played the ball into the dangerous area to the edge of the middle of the box, intended for Josh Veychek, but Adimabua got to the ball first, then slotted the ball into the open goal as Carter scrambled to get back.

Despite continuous pressure coming mailing from the width, Pitt’s best chance would come in the 80th minute.  Only 30 seconds after coming into the match, Pitt’s Eben McIntyre broke forward for a loose ball in the box, where it was a foot race between the junior from Charleroi and Cal’s keeper, goalkeeper Marco Brougher.

McIntyre got to the ball just before Brougher, and was clipped by the keeper, earning a penalty kick for the Panthers.

Pitt’s leading goal scorer, Luis Sahmkow stepped up to take the penalty, but his attempt for the right side didn’t have enough power, giving Brougher a chance as he guessed correctly going to his left to deny the equalizing attempt.

The Bears would continue to dig down in physical match marred by 30 fouls between the two sides to keep Pitt frustrated in the final minutes as they pushed for a tying goal.

Pitt will look to get back to winning ways when they host High Point on Monday (7 p.m.) at Ambrose Urbanic Field to close out a four-match homestand.

Look for a more detailed recap to follow and more Pitt coverage to come.

 

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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