Sept. 19, 2006

PITTSBURGH--Pitt freshman midfielder Matt Baker was named the Big East Conference Men's Soccer Rookie of the Week Monday by the head office. Additionally, senior goalkeeper Andy Jorgensen captured a spot on the Big East honor roll.

Both Baker (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem) and Jorgensen (Doylestown, Pa./Elizabethtown/Central Bucks East) played key roles in the Panthers' games against Big East opponents DePaul and USF this past week.

On Sept. 15, Baker assisted the only goal of the game as teammate Keeyan Young (North Wales, Pa./Haverford School) scored in the final second of play to give the Panthers a 1-0 win over the Blue Demons. Baker went on to knock in Pitt's lone goal on Sept. 17, as the Panthers battled No. 15 USF to a 1-1 tie after double overtime. This marks Baker's first Big East honor of his collegiate career. He now has a team-high two goals and one assist on the season for five points.

Jorgensen earned an honor roll mention for his career performance Sept. 17 against USF. The Pitt goalie racked up 15 saves as the Bulls took 35 shots with 16 on goal. Jorgensen allowed the Panthers to battle for a tie against the reigning Big East Red Division champions and helped the team to improve to 2-4-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the Big East. He has now complied 25 saves on the season, five more than his total mark in 2005.

Pitt will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 20, as it faces Xavier (4-3-0 overall, 0-0-0 Atlantic 10) at Founders Field at 7 p.m. in a non-conference match-up. The Panthers will return to Big East play on Saturday as they travel to South Bend to take on the No. 12 Fighting Irish (4-3-1 and 2-2-0 in the Big East) also at 7 p.m.

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