Pitt men’s soccer loses to Notre Dame in second ACC loss of the season

Defined by missed opportunities and defensive resilience, the Pitt men’s soccer team (3-3-0) lost to ACC rivals Notre Dame (2-1-2) in a 2-0 defeat on Friday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The loss is the Panthers’ first at home this season and gives Pitt its second ACC loss of the season (0-2-0). 

Despite dominating with 73% possession and a 10-to-1 corner kick advantage, the Panthers couldn’t break the Fighting Irish’s strong back line. Graduate student midfielder Arnau Vilamitjana led Pitt with two shot attempts, while first-year midfielder Grayson Carter and junior forward Albert Thorsen registered the only shots on target with one each.

Notre Dame scored in the 14th minute with a goal from first-year forward Luke Burton. Burton’s goal came from a redirect off a volley from junior midfielder Nolan Spicer. The Panthers attempted to respond in the 45th minute with a give-and-go between junior midfielder Santiago Ferreira and junior midfielder Anders Bordoy, but Bordoy’s shot missed wide. 

The Irish would double their lead in the 67th minute with a second assist from Spicer, leading to a shot and goal in the box from senior forward Wyatt Borso. The goal came after a high press from Notre Dame led to a defensive error and turnover from senior defender Jackson Gilman. 

The Panthers continued to apply pressure in the second half with five second-half shots and seven corner kicks. However, this wasn’t enough — sophomore goalkeeper for the Irish, Blake Kelly, would make two saves, preserving the clean sheet.

The highly physical match included Notre Dame committing 10 fouls to Pitt’s nine. However, only two yellow cards were shown. Junior midfielder for the Irish, Wyatt Lewis, received one in the 26th minute, and Panthers head coach Jay Vidovich received one in the 80th.

Pitt matched Notre Dame with eight total shots but struggled to convert, with four attempts blocked and four off target. This is the second time Pitt has been shut out this season. 

The Panthers’ defense was led once again by junior goalkeeper Jack Moxom making two saves and multiple blocks in the box. 

The loss continues a difficult stretch of ACC play for the Panthers following a 3-2 loss away to No. 3 Clemson. Pitt will return to Ambrose Urbanic Field this Monday to face Incarnate Word at 7 p.m.