Panthers Continue Winning Ways

September 7, 2015

PITTSBURGH – The Pitt men’s soccer team (3-0-1) blanked the Saint Peter’s Peacocks (1-2-0) Sunday afternoon at Ambrose Urbanic Field thanks to an early goal from freshman Matt Nozedar after two minutes of action.

Senior captain and goalie Dan Lynd earned his 12^th career shutout, ranking him fifth in the Pitt men’s soccer record book.

“Dan was good all game,” said head coach Joe Luxbacher. “He’s calm and sure. He made a great save on the penalty kick.”

Nozedar recorded his first collegiate goal today after two minutes of action, scoring the lone goal for the Panthers.

“Matt did well and stepped in today,” said Luxbacher. “He’s a physical force up there, which is what you need. He did a really good job and obviously got the winner.”

Pitt out-shot the Peacocks 9-6 on the day, while Lynd collected four saves.

The Panthers were without senior midfielder Patrick Dixon today, due to an issued red card in Friday’s match, forcing him to sit out today’s game. Although without its starting midfielder, Pitt showed strength and poise as they battled through the full 90 minutes.

Nozedar fired in the first shot for the Panthers in the second minute after freshman Curren Page crossed the ball to the left side that found Nozedar 10 yards off the end line. Nozedar saw his chance and placed the ball in the lower right corner.

The Panthers would attempt five more shots in the first half, unable to get any past the Saint Peter’s keeper, Jamie Cleland.

The second half opened just as physical as the first. Both teams attempted three shots apiece. The Peacocks had its best look of the game in the 86^th minute when Pitt fouled an opposing player in the box and Lynd had to face his first penalty kick of the season. Saint Peters’ Luke Fairlamb sent the ball to the bottom right corner, but Lynd chose the correct side and made the save.

Pitt’s defense was able to hold off the Saint Peter’s attack to claim its third win of the season.

The Panthers begin conference play Saturday, Sept. 12 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.