Pitt men stay hot, earn best start since ’02

Pitt 2, Bryant 1 Neither Bryant University nor the pouring rain could steer the Pitt men’s… Pitt 2, Bryant 1 Neither Bryant University nor the pouring rain could steer the Pitt men’s soccer team from what turned into a 2-1 victory Friday evening at the swamp-like Founders Field, as the Panthers struck in overtime to jump off to their best start since 2002. The contest was part of the second annual Pitt Invitational and was the first of two scheduled matches for Pitt, which improved its record to 3-1-1 on the year. In its first season of Division I play, Bryant University survived many Pitt chances before ultimately falling prey to a persistent Panthers club. Pitt coach Joe Luxbacher expressed mixed emotions about the team’s performance. ‘We played well and had a lot of opportunities. But we just missed a lot of good chances,’ said Luxbacher. Sophomore midfielder Joe Prince-Wright, however, would not miss his. The England native capitalized for his second career goal to deliver the game-winning tally after receiving a gorgeous cross-feed from senior forward E.J. McCormick. Almost as impressive as the goal was the celebration that followed by a jovial Prince-Wright, as he removed his jersey and slid into and across a muddy field before finally being joined by teammates. Pitt played like the more comfortable team, controlling play from the outset. Freshman forward Wils Alpern registered his first career goal in the game’s 38th minute after receiving a pass from junior midfielder Matt Baker and shot the ball past Bryant’s goalkeeper. Bryant’s Ben Mello showed his flare for the dramatic, knocking in an 88th-minute goal to tie the game at 1-1 and send it into overtime. Disappointed but not deflated, Pitt approached overtime with a tangible fervor, getting chances from both McCormick and Baker before finally registering the game-winner off Prince-Wright’s foot. Pitt controlled play throughout the game, outshooting Bryant 23-11 and earning nine corner kicks to Bryant’s four. The victory matches Pitt’s total from all of last season. Pitt 1, Western Michigan 0 Heading into its final match of the Pitt Invitational, the resilient Pitt men’s soccer team improved to a 4-1-1 record with a 1-0 double-overtime victory over Western Michigan Sunday afternoon at Robert Morris’ North Atlantic Complex. Luxbacher said he was not surprised with how far the team has come along in the young season but also won’t take it for granted. ‘We expected to be good this season. Sure, the four wins are good, but the focus was playing solid defense, which we’ve been able to do. We have room to improve, but we’re definitely happy with where we are,’ said Luxbacher. The same could not be said for the offense, however. ‘We’ve got to find guys who’ll put the ball in and score some goals. We haven’t really been doing that. That’s where we have to improve,’ said Luxbacher. Originally scheduled to play at Founders Field, weather conditions reared their ugly head yet again, forcing the logistical shift to RMU’s Moon Township campus. Pitt, however, would not make any excuses. ‘The weather was a factor for everyone. Actually, the wind was worse than the rain. It really affected the throw-ins and especially the play for the goalies,’ said Luxbacher. Much of the game’s excitement came from the Western Michigan bench area, as its head and assistant coaches did not shy away from exchanging sport pleasantries with the officiating crew regarding a few allegedly questionable calls. For their behavior, both coaches were rewarded with yellow cards. While Western Michigan’s coaches argued calls, the Pitt players focused on coming away victorious.’ In the 41st minute of the first half, sophomore midfielder Ian Farnsworth almost scored the game’s first goal, as he hit a lethal strike off the crossbar. The suffocating Pitt defense prevented its opponent from creating any chances, essentially tilting the field in the direction of the Western Michigan goal. At one point, Pitt outshot Western Michigan 12-0 before finishing 14-3. In fact, it took just more than 70 minutes for WMU to register a shot, which was beautifully snagged by goaltender Jordan Marks, who earned his second shutout of the year. Early in the second overtime period, junior forward Chris Wilcox hit a blistering shot to the upper left-hand corner for the game-ending goal after catching sophomore midfielder Justin Boehm’s throw-in.’ The goal earned Pitt the tournament title, as the Panthers went an undefeated 2-0-0.’ Robert Morris finished 1-0-1 for second place. Bryant came in third with a 0-1-1 record, while Western Michigan finished in fourth, going 0-2-0. Pitt’s Connor Malone, Andy Kalas, Eric Jaeger and Chris Wilcox snagged All-Tournament Team honors. Though it was no doubt a successful weekend and start to the year,’ the Panthers must keep things in proper perspective as they begin their toughest challenge yet, embarking on the demanding Big-East Conference play. ‘We’re happy with the win, but we can’t look too far ahead. Every game in the Big East will be a huge battle,’ said Luxbacher.