Panthers Upend Penn State Behrend

October 13, 2011

Despite being outshot 22-7, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women’s soccer team made the most of its opportunities Tuesday against Penn State Behrend and won 1-0. It marked the first time ever the Panthers defeated the Nittany Lions in AMCC play.

In the 11th minute, Stephanie Gaudette gained possession of a loose ball in the midfield and sprinted up the far sideline on a clean breakaway. As the Nittany Lion goalkeeper closed in on Gaudette, she let go a shot that settled into the near corner of the net for the game’s only goal. It was the Panthers’ first shot attempt and the only one that mattered.

Penn State Behrend would pepper Pitt-Bradford goalkeeper Alisa Cornell over the final 79 minutes, but the reigning AMCC Defensive Player of the Week would be equal to the task every time. Cornell finished with 12 saves, one shy of her season high, to post her seventh shutout of the season. She has not allowed a goal in more than 369 minutes, a span of three and a half games.

The Panthers had an attempt to add an insurance tally late in the contest, but Lindsay Sherman was denied on a penalty kick.

The Nittany Lions held an 8-5 edge in corner kicks yet the Pitt-Bradford defense stood tall each time.

“Today was by no means our best day,” said head coach Mike Idland. “But as the game moved on, I liked how our intensity picked up and the motivation was there especially in front of the net.

“This result with several others over the last few weeks speaks to the parity in the conference.”

The Panthers improve to 10-2-1 on the season and 4-1-1 in the league. Pitt-Bradford will travel to Franciscan on Saturday.