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Pitt men’s soccer pushed around by No. 9 Duke, 4-0

FINAL: Duke 4. Pitt 0

Match Stats 

 

Match Recap

No. 9 Duke powered past Pitt men’s soccer, 4-0, at Koskinen Stadium on Friday night.

This result was the Panthers (4-5-2, 0-3-1 ACC) first loss to Duke since the 2018 season and snapped a run of two consecutive draws in the series.  Pitt goalkeeper Jack Moxom made five saves in the loss.

The Blue Devils scored four times in the second half, highlighted by a brace from Ulfur Bjornsson. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Blue Devils came out on the front foot from the start, generating plenty of pressure into the final third

Despite the hosts effectively cutting down Pitt’s ability to play out of the back and controlling possession, they were not able to capitalize in the first half, despite a 7-1 shots advantage while forcing Panthers’ goalkeeper Jack Moxom into making two saves.

In the second half, the Blue Devils overpowered Pitt with an onslught of goals.

They got things going from the air.

In the 49th minute, Alessandro Arlotti found his way on the end of a cross from deep in the right corner from Kenan Hot.  Ortega, Jose.

Aridon Racaj doubled Duke’s lead, rising above Pitt defender Jackson Gilman heading in a looping cross from Drew Kerr.

Pitt were ambitious in looking to cut the lead in half, but some pressure in the final third resulted in some near misses and three straight corner kick attempts that didn’t connect.

In a match where Duke played physical, especially in the midfield to slow down Pitt’s ability to connect passes through the middle (the Blue Devils held 16-9 edge in fouls committed) the officials let them play on after what appeared to be a push at midfield in the 79th minute.

Ulfur Bjornsson took advantage, as he continued through to the edge of the box, then sliding a shot past a perplexed Pitt goalkeeper, Jack Moxom, slotting home his third goal of the season with his right foot.

Adding salt to Pitt’s wound, Bjornsson capped his brace in transition, bending a shot past the diving goalkeeper off the left post and into the back of the net in the 85th minute.

Duke finished the match with a 18-5 edge in shots (8-1 on target).

Things won’t get any easier for Pitt, as they’ll wait until next Saturday, when they travel to take on No. 3 Stanford.

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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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