Pitt men’s soccer earns first road win of season with 1-0 upset of Clemson, to advance in ACC tournament

FINAL: Pitt 1, Clemson 0

Historic Riggs Field, Clemson, SC | 7:00 p.m.

Match Stats 

Match Summary

Pitt men’s soccer team scored early, then held on furiously with resolute defending and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Jack Moxom, to defeat Clemson, 1-0, in the ACC Men’s Soccer Championship First Round match at Historic Riggs Field, in Clemson, SC, on Wednesday.

Sophomore Lasse Dahl made the most of his opportunity in the 8th minute, taking a touch at the end of a quick Panther transition opportunity, firing a low shot and placing it perfectly inside the right post to give Pitt a lead which would hold up.

The hosts brought continuous pressure, primarily from the width and made countless attempts to get around the edges, but the Panthers defended well in the box, as Goalkeeper Jack Moxom made five saves, plus senior defender Jackson Gilman made another save on the line to keep the clean sheet.

The Tigers dominated shots (20-5) and corners (9-0) but Pitt stepped into passing lanes constantly.

Pitt’s defensive discipline eventually frustrated Clemson, to the point where the action started to slow down, with chippy play prevailing over the final 12-plus minutes of the match, with the Tigers having a pair of players, Lukas Magnason and Matthias Leib shown yellow cards.

The Panthers (6-6-4 overall)

Pitt will now face the winner of Duke-Cal match on Sunday. (Time TBA).

Look for a more detailed recap to follow. 

Match Updates

2nd Half overview

In the 55th minute, Clemson nearly gets the equalizer, but Pitt defender/captain, Jackson Gilman saves a chance on the line.

Moments later, again, from close range, this time Moxom denies Misei Yoshizawa.

Clemson would keep coming — Moxom made two saves within a minute of each other in the 72nd minute.

The pace of the match slowed down, with some hard challenges and 50-50 balls resulting in a pair of yellow cards against Clemson, Lukas Magnason in the 78th minute (unsporting) and Matthias Leib (unsporting) a few minutes earlier.

In the final 10 minutes, Pitt finally starts to carry play deeper into the attacking third and generate a few shots.

The Tigers look spent.  The threw a bunch of haymakers at Pitt but came up empty!

1st Half overview

Pitt stuns Clemson with an early goal from Lasse Dahl in the 8th minute.

The Panthers made the Tigers pay with a quick transition goal after winning the ball back near midfield. Dahl with a very well-placed low shot from the top of the box.

It would turn out to be Pitt’s only shot attempt in the half.

Clemson kept coming forward, but really only had room to operate on the width, sending in a barrage of crosses, with seven shots, but all from the edge or outside the box.  In fact, Pitt’s defending very well — that keeper Jack Moxom has yet to register a save.

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).