Vidovich Hits 100 as resilient Panthers hold off Cal, 2-1, for first ACC win

On a Sunday afternoon in the Bay Area, Pitt men’s soccer didn’t just pick up its first conference victory of the season—it etched another milestone into program history.

Riding an opportunistic early advantage, a clinical finish from Albert Thorsen, and three huge saves from goalkeeper Jack Moxom, the Panthers held off a furious second-half push from California to secure a 2-1 victory at Edwards Stadium.

The win carries double significance for Pitt (5-2-1, 1-1-0 ACC): it marks the first victory over Cal in program history (snapping an 0-2 all-time mark) and officially delivers head coach Jay Vidovich his 100th win at the helm of the Panthers program.

How It Happened

In the 22nd minute, Pitt deliberately turned a free kick into an opportunity to pull Cal’s shape out just enough — creating a 1v1 for Cannon Scretchen taking a deep run to the end line getting past his defender. Scretchen, a transfer from Xavier who also played in Nashville SC’s Youth system, then cut-back a short cross into the box.

In an instant, as a Cal defender tried to clear, instead deflected it straight into the net to put Pitt ahead early.

Coming out of the halftime break looking to make the most of their opportunities on the road in a hostile environment where they lost in the ACC Quarterfinals a year ago, Pitt had no intention of sitting back.

In the 48th minutes, Spanish midfielder Miguel Bertran broke free from the left clutter, to play a well placed ball through to the right — catching Albert Thorsen in stride.  While keeping just enough space while evading his defender who was trying to stay step-for-step with him, Thorsen delivered a clinical finish into the bottom left corner for what would be the game-winner.

On the front foot for stretches in the match, including outshooting Pitt (9-5, 4-1 on target) and having a decided edge on corners (6-0), Cal finally broke through in the 61st minute when Callen Lewis responded in the 61st minute, as Kieran Bracken Serra provided the assist.

With Cal turning up the pressure, Pitt goalkeeper Jack Moxim came up with three saves, including a diving stop in the 85th minute that kept the lead intact.

Takeaways: Resilience, Efficiency, and Century #100

1. Bouncing Back in ACC Play

Dropping the ACC opener to SMU at home left a sour taste, but Pitt’s response over the last eight days speaks volumes. Pairing mid-week ranked momentum against Cornell with a hard-earned 2-1 road win at Cal proves this group can manage travel, weather tough stretches, and close out tight conference matches on the road.  It’s still early in the season and many challenges lay ahead, but wins like this build a team’s character.

2. Maximum Opportunism

Soccer is often a game of fine margins, and Pitt made every single touch count in Berkeley. The Panthers only placed one formal shot on frame all match (five shots total), but they converted that opportunity into a goal and forced the defensive panic that created the first-half own goal. Scretchen’s clever run deep to the end line was proof that simply putting balls into high-leverage areas creates good chances.

3. Thorsen Gets the Monkey Off His Back

Albert Thorsen’s 48th-minute strike was both a beauty and a relief. With the team integrating new faces and working through early-season injuries, getting Thorsen back on the scoresheet with a cool, clinical finish was vital. Coming into the season, Thorsen is one of the team’s most proven attackers, having scored 15 goals in his previous three seasons, the Norwegian delivered at an opportune time. Pitt will need consistent attacking production from Thorsen as the ACC schedule intensifies, and this game-winner could be the exact confidence-booster he needed.

4. Jay Vidovich: 100 Wins & Hall-of-Fame Pedigree

Reaching 100 wins at Pitt (moving his overall mark to 100-77-23 in year 11) is another feather in the cap for a Hall-of-Fame caliber leader. Navigating early-season squad turnover, integrating fresh talent, and keeping the locker room focused on a daily “one percent better” growth mindset is exactly why Vidovich has built Pitt into a national powerhouse in Oakland.

5. Safe Hands in Net

Once again, Jack Moxom came through when his team needed him most. While the backline had to absorb heavy second-half pressure and yield six corners, Moxom made three key saves to preserve the narrow lead.

Up Next

Pitt returns home to Ambrose Urbanic Field to kick off a multi-match homestand starting with a high-stakes ACC clash:

• Match: Pitt vs. Louisville (Alumni Night)

• Date: Friday, Sept. 25

• Time: 7:00 PM ET

• Location: Ambrose Urbanic Field | Pittsburgh, PA

Pitt’s Starters on Sunday at Cal:

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).