EASTON, Pa. – The Pitt men’s soccer team (0-0-1) began its 2015 season with a double overtime scoreless draw against Lafayette (0-0-1) Friday afternoon at Oaks Stadium.

The Panthers out-shot the Leopards 8-7 and in shots on goal 4-2.

Senior goalkeeper and captain Dan Lynd collected two saves in 110 minutes of action. Today’s scoreless draw marks Lynd’s ninth career shutout, ranking him 10^th in career shutouts in the Pitt men’s soccer record book. 

“It was a very difficult, tough and physical game,” said head coach Joe Luxbacher. “Lafayette is an athletic team and very physical.”

The first half opened with both teams setting the defensive tone for the game. In the second minute, Lafayette’s Ben Marks took an open shot on the left side and was blocked by a Panther defender. Thirty seconds later, sophomore midfielder Raj Kahlon fired off Pitt’s first shot of the 2015 season that just went over the crossbar. Pitt had another opportune moment to score in the 42nd minute when senior defender Andrew Wright received a ball in the box and missed wide.

The first 20 minutes of the second half featured nine total fouls as the game became more physical on both ends.

“Lafayette is difficult to play because they are physical and because of their style,” Luxbacher said. “They don’t let you get settled.”

The Panthers tallied four shots in the second half, two of which were on goal. Senior forward Patrick Dixon sent a header straight to Leopards’ keeper Brad Seeber in the 78th minute and would have another opportunity in the 86th minute that was also saved. That shot was followed by another attempt by junior midfielder and co-captain Romeo Charron that went wide.

After 90 scoreless minutes, the teams battled in sudden victory overtime. With the clock winding down in the first 10-minute session, Kahlon took the lone shot on goal in the 99th minute, but failed to convert which sent the game in to a second overtime.

With the physicality rising, freshman forward Tobias Marshall-Heyman took his first collegiate shot on goal in the 106th minute which was saved. In the last effort to claim the game, Lafayette had a shot that went wide.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Luxbacher said. “We got a clean and even shutout, but we want to score goals and get a win. The guys gave a good effort.”

Pitt returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 30, when the Panthers makes the short trip from Easton to Bethlehem, Pa., to take on Lehigh. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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