Panthers snap losing streak with win over Niagara

The Pitt men’s soccer team (3-7-0) defeated Niagara (0-6-1) Wednesday, snapping the… The Pitt men’s soccer team (3-7-0) defeated Niagara (0-6-1) Wednesday, snapping the Panthers’ three-game losing streak.

Pitt defeated Niagara 1-0 in what head coach Joe Luxbacher called a tough, close game. It was a repeat performance for the Panthers, who beat Niagara 1-0 last year at Founder’s Field.

“When a team loses a lot of games by one point, it starts to be expected,” Luxbacher said. “Our team’s competitive, and we’re starting seven freshmen. To win, a team’s got to make the play; yesterday we made the play and won. The team played better and more consistent against Niagara. We were solid from start to finish.”

Pitt outshot Niagara 15-12 to win the game. The Panthers’ only goal came in the 44th minute, when forward Keeyan Young beat Niagara goalie Dan O’Shea to the ball and finished the shot. More than half of Pitt’s shots were on goal, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Niagara came away from the game scoreless while picking up three yellow cards. It had a total of 16 fouls to Pitt’s 20.

The Panthers’ keeper, Justin Lowery, recorded a shutout by stopping all six of Niagara’s shots on goal.

“[To continue winning], our key players have to play well in tough games,” Luxbacher said. “Everyone else needs to continue playing solid. We haven’t been getting that, and we need it. We’ve been in positions to win and haven’t had those plays, while the other teams have.”

Pitt’s next game is Sunday at noon against Notre Dame at Founder’s Field.