Women’s soccer shut out twice at home

Just as Pitt’s women’s soccer team seemed to be getting used to life on the road, it… Just as Pitt’s women’s soccer team seemed to be getting used to life on the road, it returned home in disappointing fashion. The Panthers, coming off consecutive victories against Georgetown and Duquesne to wrap up their six-game road trip, were shut out twice over the weekend – 1-0 by Miami and 3-0 by Connecticut. Pitt has scored just six goals in their last eight games.

Miami 1, Pitt 0

It felt more like January than early October when the Panthers (4-6-1 Overall, 1-2 Big East) took on Miami Friday night at Founders Field. The Hurricanes controlled the bulk of the early minutes of the game, although they never really threatened Pitt goalkeeper Jamie Pelusi.

Pitt had the first scoring opportunity, midway through the half. Forward Erin Hills took the ball down the right sideline and passed off to Sara Gutting. Gutting, also a forward, set up midfielder Corina Sebesta for a shot that was blocked by a Miami defender. Hills raced back into the play to gather the rebound but her shot sailed over the Miami goal.

Pitt had another opportunity in the 38th minute of the half but forward Cara Senger’s header misfired and the game remained scoreless at halftime.

Miami (7-5 Overall, 1-1 Big East) came out strong in the second half. The Hurricanes had two quick shots turned away by Pelusi, but were finally able to crack the scoreboard in the 51st minute, when Lindsey Yach took a pass from Ashley Durkee and scored on a left-footer.

Pitt head coach Sue-Moy Chin blamed Pitt’s poor second-half start on adjustments made by Miami.

“They switched formations at halftime,” Chin said after the game. Chin added that the switch confused the Panthers, and Miami was able to capitalize and score the game’s lone goal.

UConn 3, Pitt 0

UConn came into town on Sunday afternoon trying to win its third game of a four-game road trip.

Thanks in large part to forward Kristen Graczyk, who scored twice, the Huskies defeated the Panthers.

Graczyk’s first goal came in the 23rd minute. Uconn (7-2 Overall, 2-1 Big East) goalie Erin Rice punted the ball downfield, and Graczyk was able to get behind the Pitt defense and receive the pass. She then buried a shot from 13 yards out putting her team up 1-0.

Pitt had chances to get on the board in the first half but the Panthers were unable to beat Rice. Their best chance came with just a few minutes remaining in the half. Forward Netta Agredano was awarded a free kick directly in front of the UConn goal, but her shot did not force Rice to dive far from her position, and she was able to make the save.

The Panthers were unable to generate much pressure in the second half, and the Huskies took advantage by adding two late insurance goals. Jessica Gjertsen made a move to get around a Pitt defender, and scored in the 71st minute. Graczyk added her second goal in the 87th minute.

Pitt is next in action against Big East foe Seton Hall at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10.