Men’s and women’s soccer under way

Defending is the single most important part of every team’s strategy — if it wants to win…. Defending is the single most important part of every team’s strategy — if it wants to win. Last season, the Pitt men’s soccer team struggled to keep opponents out of its half of the field and its goal.

Pitt conceded 39 goals in just 16 matches in 2005, topping the program record for a single season. But with eight returning seniors and some promising newcomers, head coach Joe Luxbacher is confident in this year’s club.

“I like the makeup of our team,” Luxbacher told PittsburghPanthers.com. “I am looking forward to the season.”

The biggest problem from last season was Pitt’s performance in the first halves of games. The Panthers allowed 20 goals in first halves, allowing 121 shots on goal while fouling a remarkable 119 times.

But with returning senior captain Brendon Smith, holding midfield might be easier this time around. Add junior defender Steven Cavalier and center back Pat Kerr and the Panthers possess a strong trio of cagey veterans in the back.

“Our primary focus as a team will be to collectively play solid defense, to be competitive in every match and to have a successful season,” Luxbacher said on PittsburghPanthers.com

While Smith possesses the ball and stops opponents’ attacks, senior midfielder Tom DeCato will push forward, flanking Pitt’s attackers. DeCato started every game last season for the Panthers, scoring twice while assisting three other Pitt goals.

Up front, the Panthers return two stars to their lineup — seniors Keeyan Young and Tyler Bastianelli. The duo combined for seven goals last year, but Young missed time because of injury. This season, the pair will see more time on the pitch together and create a tandem capable of changing games.

Minding the nets will be a pair of dynamic goalkeepers — senior Andy Jorgensen and sophomore Jordan Marks. And with two solid options, Pitt’s woodwork will be well tended.

The Panthers face a grueling 2006 campaign before the Big East tournament begins on Oct. 28. However, earning a Big East Tournament berth is never easy and the team is well aware of that fact.

“The Big East is one of the nation’s best soccer conferences,” Luxbacher said on PittsburghPanthers.com. “Last year, we had as many as six teams ranked among the nation’s top-20, seven of which earned NCAA bids.

“It will be difficult to make the tournament out of our division, but that’s what we expect to do. That’s our goal.”

Pitt women’s soccer features plenty of fresh faces in the team’s 2006 season, adding 14 newcomers to its roster. But after reaching the Big East tournament for the first time since 1998, the Panthers expect immediate contributions regardless of experience.

“I think we’ve done a good job of rebuilding the program and now it is our goal to take the next step forward,” coach Sue-Moy Chin said on PittsburghPanthers.com. “Obviously we have a different team this year.

“We are looking for our new seniors to step forward and take on leadership roles, along with several of the underclassmen as well.”

Senior Corina Sebeta will provide what Chin is looking for as she returns to central midfield, creating opportunities and stopping the opposition. Her skill, toughness and leadership make her the rock in Pitt’s lineup.

Partnering Sebeta in the midfield will be sophomore Jennifer Kritch, a young sensation looking to continue her success for the Panthers. Last season, Kritch scored three goals, showing her dangerous poise on the attack.

Seniors Katie Surma, Courtney Wrightson and Carli Brilli provide ironclad defending for Pitt. The trio has combined for 138 games over their careers, and with all that experience, this season should prove to be a tough one for Pitt opponents to score.

“She is a strong leader in the back,” Chin said on PittsburghPanthers.com of Surma, “and can organize our defense well.”

Chin echoed the same thoughts of Brilli.

“Carli has been outstanding for us in the backfield,” she said on PittsburghPanthers.com. “We’re looking for her to step up and help anchor our defense once again.”

Hoping to tickle the twine up front for the Panthers will be senior forward Kristina Francois. Francois uses her blazing speed and impressive touch in the attacking third to lead Pitt’s offense.

Pairing up with Francois could be redshirt sophomore Meta Haley or junior Janean Gardner. Both strikers possess nifty skill and a nose for goals.

After senior Jamie Pelusi graduated last spring, Pitt needed a new goalkeeper. Filling the boots of Pelusi will be tough, but four incoming freshmen — Katelyn Bakanowsky, Emma Stapleton, Niki Walters and Renee Pilch — are ready to take on the challenge.

Pitt’s schedule features 19 opponents, including 11 Big East clubs. The Panthers open conference play on Sept. 15, when Pitt travels to West Virginia. And much like the men’s soccer side, the Big East for the women is never easy.