Men’s Soccer: Panthers surge in second half to beat IPFW

It didn’t start well, but the Pitt men’s soccer team (2-0-2) fought back from…It didn’t start well, but the Pitt men’s soccer team (2-0-2) fought back from another early deficit to secure its second win of the season Friday night.

Facing the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Mastodons in the second game of the Pitt/Nike Invitational at the Petersen Sports Complex, the Panthers proved that they play their best soccer when facing a deficit as Pitt defeated IPFW, 3-1. Delaware downed Duquesne, 2-1, in the night’s first match.

A goal gave IPFW the lead early in the second half, but the Panthers responded by playing arguably their best soccer of the season, scoring three times in a 20-minute span.

After receiving a nice pass, Pitt sophomore Cory Werth entered the box, where he was taken down, and teammate Nico Wrobel slotted home the penalty kick to level the score.

Just minutes later, Wrobel scored his second goal of the game as the junior forward converted another penalty kick following a hand ball foul against IPFW.

It didn’t take long for the Panthers to strike again.

A rebound following a long throw fell to the feet of Pitt sophomore Michael Tuohy, who poked the ball into the net to ensure the victory for the Panthers.

“It was a great long throw by [sophomore midfielder Matt] Walbert, and [sophomore] Ryan Myers was able to get off a great shot that the keeper saved. But I was in the right place at the right time,” Tuohy said, describing the crucial goal.

Pitt then held off a late IPFW charge to remain undefeated.

The Panthers play again on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. against Delaware to close the Pitt/Nike Invitational at the Petersen Sports Complex.

Check out a detailed recap in The Pitt News early next week with more quotes from the team.