Men’s Soccer: Panthers win tournament after victory over Delaware

The Pitt men’s soccer team remains undefeated after another narrow victory on Sunday… The Pitt men’s soccer team remains undefeated after another narrow victory on Sunday evening.

The Panthers, who clinched the Pitt/Nike Invitational championship at the Petersen Sports Complex with a 1-0 victory against Delaware, played their best team soccer of the season against a tough Blue Hens (1-4) team, according to head coach Joe Luxbacher.

“We played good soccer today,” Luxbacher said. “They’re a very good team, so it was a battle from the opening whistle. Our guys played really well — the starters and the subs alike.”

Pitt sophomore goalkeeper Lee Johnston starred for the Panthers (3-0-2) on Sunday, facing 22 shots and making nine saves, and he was named the tournament MVP after the match.

“Lee comes up huge when he has to,” Luxbacher said of Johnston after the game.

Thanks in large part to Johnston, who earned his second shutout of the year, the Panthers were able to hold a slim 1-0 lead for most of the match.

Pitt secured the lead in the 27th minute when junior forward Nico Wrobel drew a penalty kick.

Wrobel’s penalty kick attempt was saved, but he was able to secure the rebound and score.

After the goal, Delaware had its chances to equalize, including a six-minute stretch where Johnston made five saves.  But Johnston and the Panthers’ defense were able to stifle all of the Blue Hens’ attempts.

With the 1-0 victory following Friday’s win against Indiana University — Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Panthers completed a perfect weekend, winning the Nike/Pitt Invitational.

The Pitt men’s soccer team returns to action at home this Friday against Northern Kentucky at 7 p.m.

Check out Tuesday’s edition of The Pitt News for a detailed recap of the Panthers’ victories against IPFW and Delaware with quotes from members of the team.