Continuing their successful season, Pitt men’s soccer will take on Louisville in their first home matchup of ACC conference play. With one loss on the season after a one-goal upset by Penn, Pitt men’s soccer has a chance to set the tone against Louisville. 

For the Panthers to begin their ACC schedule 2-0, there are three major keys to their success across the pitch.

The defense must continue their dominant streak

Currently, the Panthers have held their opponents to just three goals across five matches, only allowing one goal against conference opponent SMU. 

A lot of that has to do with junior defender Jackson Gilman. The 2023 ACC Third Team honoree is a force on the back line, making it hard for opposing strikers to gain any sort of opening. 

Louisville allowed four goals in the same number of matches, showing that this match could prove a defensive battle from the start. Pitt will want to set the tone early in order to dominate defensively. 

The goalkeepers cannot make costly mistakes

One recurring issue in the 2023 season was costly mistakes by the goalkeepers, allowing 1.59 goals per game. One such costly mistake was a lack of awareness that led to Louisville winning in overtime in the 2023 ACC Men’s Soccer Tournament. Goalkeeper Cabral Carter was caught off guard by a shot from the halfway point on the pitch, and the ball went over his head. 

With the goals per game currently at 0.60, the goalkeepers must continue to play a safe brand of soccer.

The usage of sophomore goalkeeper Jack Moxom allows Carter to take rest days throughout the season, keeping the position energetic without compromising quality. Moxom has allowed one of Pitt’s three goals including the game winning goal for Penn.

Lasse Dahl must continue to facilitate

First-year forward Lasse Dahl made an immediate impact on the roster with four assists that has him tied for No. 3 in the stat in all of Division 1 men’s soccer. In order for Pitt to make noise in their coming game, Dahl must continue his success as the main facilitator for the team. 

With senior Luis Sahmkow and sophomore Albert Thorsen having shooting percentages of 28.6% and 27.3% respectively, it’s important to have someone who is able to consistently get them the ball.

Although unranked, Louisville will not prove an easy opponent. Pitt will have to establish dominance on the defensive side of the ball early. Following that, they will have to transition to the offensive side of the ball seamlessly and use their most efficient players in order to be on top at the end of 90 minutes.

The goalkeepers must not get complacent, as the result of the last time the two teams played is fresh in the minds of many of the competitors. 

Expect a match that will come down to the wire and No. 7 Pitt to end up pulling away with a 2-1 win at the end of the 90 minute period.