PITTSBURGH, PA. - No. 17 Pitt defeated FDU by a score of 5-1 on Monday night. The Knights conclude a competitive nonconference schedule with a record of 3-2-2.
The Panthers opened the game with a flurry of chances. In the 1
st minute, Pitt earned a free kick right outside of the box, which was aptly put on target. Fresh off claiming a second-straight NEC Player of the Week, King answered the shot with a confident save.
Just three minutes later, a handball inside of the box gave Pitt a penalty kick. The Panthers were able to cash in on the opportunity and take a 1-0 lead.
After the conceded goal, the Knights settled in and began to play their style effectively. A persistent Panther attack tested the FDU back line multiple times, but the Knights were able to soundly defend their third for a good stretch of the first half.
FDU earned their first shot on goal in the 39
th minute courtesy of
Alec Mowry. Momentum continued to build for the Knights as they were able to find counter-attack opportunities. Their sustained possession resulted in a second shoot in the 41
st minute with this one coming off the foot of
Kevin Leonhard.
This all culminated in a beautiful cross from
Matt Giraldo which was perfectly headed in by
Tony Gomez to level the match in the 42
nd minute. The equalizer marked Gomez' second-goal of the season.
The Panthers displayed their strength by quickly responding in their attacking-third. They found a go-ahead goal with just one second remaining in the first half.
Pitt outshot the Knights 12-3 in the first 45 minutes.
The Panthers added another goal just over two minutes into the second half to make the score 3-1.
The Knights found some of the same counter-attacking chances for the remainder of the way but were unable to capitalize on any of the opportunities.
Pitt scored twice more to cement a 5-1 victory.
The Panthers outshot the Knights 22-7 in the win.
QUOTABLE
"It was a lot of fun for 44:59 until they scored with one second to go before halftime. We competed very well and played with discipline and focus against arguably the best ball possession team in the nation." stated head coach
Seth Roland. "Unfortunately, we were unable to sustain it after the whistle blew to start the second half. But there's lots to process and learn as we head into our conference opener this coming Sunday versus Howard."
WHAT'S NEXT
The Knights being their NEC championship defense with the start of conference play against Howard on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Teaneck. The game can be streamed on NEC Front Row.
