Panthers shutout in two close tournament games

Pitt men’s soccer moved into the Soccer America rankings after its first win of the season,… Pitt men’s soccer moved into the Soccer America rankings after its first win of the season, but the Panthers were unable to build upon that momentum in last weekend’s Mayors Cup Tournament, dropping two games.

The Panthers played Hartwick (2-0) on Saturday afternoon and Oneonta State (3-2) on Sunday, dropping both contests 1-0. Hartwick, ranked No. 17 in the nation, won the tournament.

No. 17 Hartwick 1, Pitt 0

Pitt (1-2 overall, 1-0 Big East) was unable to spark its offense, and the defense was unable to prevent the lone Hawks goal, despite Justin Lowery’s career-high seven saves.

Hartwick fired 12 shots, while Pitt managed just five.

Keeyan Young mustered the best scoring chance for the Panthers. He stole the ball from a Hartwick defender and shot the ball on net. He beat goalie Josh Wagenaar, but was unable to beat the iron. The ball deflected off the crossbar and over the net.

The Hawks’ only score was an unassisted goal at 67:51 by Rob Catana, who also led the team with four shots.

Oneonta 1, Pitt 0

Pitt took the field Sunday against Oneonta State and played a much different game, but ended with the same result.

Pitt’s offense showed some life, firing 17 shots, but Jack Potter, the goal keeper for Oneonta, made eight saves to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard. Marco Carrizales led the Panthers with five shots.

The Panthers made a defensive stand and held the Red Dragons to only five shots. Lowery recorded two saves on the day, but Jamie Amaoko was able to net the game’s only goal, at 21:48.

The Panthers will look to rebound on Wednesday night, when they take on Robert Morris at home.