Sept. 28, 2008
Box Score
INDIANOLA, Pa.—The Pitt women’s soccer team scored an unanswered first half goal to down St. John’s 1-0 in its Big East home opener Sunday afternoon at Founders Field. With the win, the Panthers notched their first Big East victory of the season and tallied an important three points in conference play.
Pitt dictated pace from the game’s onset, including an offensive flurry in the seventh minute that featured three total shots and one shot on goal. The Panthers also nearly capitalized on a set piece taken by midfielder Laura Berbert in the 16th minute, but the shot glanced off of the crossbar.
St. John’s, who held No. 11 West Virginia to a scoreless 0-0 tie on Thursday, was able to keep Pitt off of the scoreboard until the second half.
Pitt took its 1-0 lead in the 54th minute. Sophomore Liz Carroll collected a loose ball from 25 yards out and fired into the upper left corner to give the Panthers their lead. The goal was Carroll’s third of the season and tied her for second place on the team in scoring. Carroll registered four shots, including three shots on goal during the game.
The Panthers continued to press throughout the second half and prevented the Red Storm from tying the score. Pitt goalkeeper Morie Kephart finished the game with three saves to record her second shutout of the season.
Pitt dominated play throughout the remainder of the game, outshooting the Red Storm 13-9. The Panthers had several chances while taking advantage of eight corner kick opportunities.
“It was a great team effort that came from our backfield all the way through to our midfield and to our forwards,” said Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin. “We did a great job with defensive pressure.”
With the victory, Pitt improved its record to 4-7-0 overall and 1-2-0 in Big East play, while St. John’s dropped to 4-2-4 and 0-1-2.
Next, Pitt prepares to begin its two-game tour through New Jersey as it travels to Big East rival Rutgers on Friday, Oct. 3 (7 p.m.) and faces Seton Hall on Oct. 5 (1 p.m.).
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