PITTSBURGH – The Pitt men’s soccer team (2-0-1) defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-2-0), 2-0, Friday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The team earned its third consecutive shutout of the 2015 campaign.

“Our guys played with great passion and great character,” said head coach Joe Luxbacher. “They hung in and battled the whole way and got a clean sheet.”

Sophomore midfielder Jack Dickens netted the first goal of the night for the Panthers in the 38^th minute and freshman forward Tobias Marshall-Heyman recorded the second goal in the 74^th minute.

The Panthers out-shot EIU, 12-4, while senior goalkeeper Dan Lynd earned his 11^th career shutout ranking him tied for fifth in program history.

“Dan is a very good goalkeeper and a great leader,” said Luxbacher. “He is the whole package. I think he has potential to play at the next level.”

The Panthers fired off six shots before Dickens sent his past the keeper. Dickens received a cross from sophomore midfielder Matt Bischoff in the box, which drew the Eastern Illinois goalkeeper Mike Novotny out of the net. Dickens chipped the ball past him, scoring the first goal of the night.

Pitt suffered a minor setback in the 55^th minute as senior midfielder Patrick Dixon was issued a red card and was ejected from the game.

Down one man, Marshall-Heyman beat two defenders in the box and recorded his first collegiate goal in the 74^th minute, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

“Tobias is a big, strong guy and he’s good on the ball,” said Luxbacher. “He fought off two defenders on his goal. Not many guys can do that. He’s been a factor for us and I think he’ll continue to get better as he learns his teammates.”

The Panthers are slated to host Saint Peter’s on Sunday, Sept. 6 at Ambrose Urbanic Field. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.

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