Women’s Soccer: Big East tournament still a possibility for Panthers

While the Pitt women’s soccer team got off to a quick start this season, the wins tapered off… While the Pitt women’s soccer team got off to a quick start this season, the wins tapered off as it went on.

However, the opportunity to compete for the Big East title is still within reach.

“We’re still in the hunt for the [Big East] tournament birth,” coach Sue-Moy Chin said. “That’s our focus right now.”

The Panthers have two games remaining: Providence today at 3 p.m. and Connecticut on Sunday at 1 p.m. Pitt is currently sixth in the American Division of the Big East, but only the top five teams in each division make the tournament, which starts Oct. 29. The Panthers are three points behind West Virgini for the last spot in the tournament. The Mountaineers play Connecticut (10-6, 5-4 Big East) and Providence this weekend.

Pitt sits at 7-4-5, but started the year 4-0, and has just two wins in its last eight games . In those eight games the Panthers have scored only three goals, getting shut out six times, compared to just once in the first eight games.

Some of those shutout efforts have resulted in ties, but the lack of offensive production is a concern heading into tournament play, even with the defense playing so well. In the last eight games, the Panthers have given up five goals, three coming in a 3-0 loss to Georgetown.

“Our defense has really solidified itself with our game and how we want to play, but now we need production up top,” Chin said.

To come out on top, Chin suggested that certain new tactical adjustments might be implemented this weekend, but when it comes to trying to get more offensive production, there may be some personnel adjustments.

Heading into the Big East tournament, Pitt can rely partially on what Chin has called a very good season to overcome any troubles.

Ultimately, though, the sentiment is that of do or die.

“If we fall short of the tournament, this season will be a disappointment,” Chin said.