Oct. 2, 2005

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INDIANOLA, Pa. - The Pitt women's soccer team dropped a 6-2 Big East decision to Rutgers at Founders Field Sunday. The loss moves the Panthers to 1-3-1 in the Big East and 2-7-2 overall.  Rutgers improves to 1-4-1 in the Big East and 4-7-1 overall.

The Panthers orchestrated an offensive attack in the 30th minute of the first half when Meta Haley passed to Corina Sebesta. Sebesta then connected with Lucy Kirkland who nearly got the Panthers on the board.

The Scarlet Knights registered the first goal of the game in the 36th minute. After a shot bounced off the the goal post, Kim Mineo gathered the rebound on fired a shot past Pitt goalkeeper Jamie Pelusi for a 1-0 lead.

With two minutes remaining in the first half, Pitt was awarded an indirect free kick. Carli Brill lofted a perfectly placed ball towards the Rutgers goal, connecting with the head of Corina Sebesta. The Panthers headed into the second half tied 1-1.

In the 50th minute, Carli Brill made a great defensive stop which kept the game deadlocked at 1-1. The Scarlet Knights threatened again in the 58th minute of play, but once again Pitt's defense stepped up, shutting down the attack and keeping the Panthers alive.

In the 59th minute of play, Rutgers broke the tie and took the lead for good. Nina Montero was able to manage a shot past Pelusi after a corner kick. One minute later, the Scarlet Knights increased their lead 3-1 when Kristen Edmonds connected a pass with Domenique Esposito, who shot the ball into the back of the Panther net. Eleven minutes later Amanda Allessio gathered a loose ball in front of the net, turned toward Pelusi and was able to score.

In the 72nd minute of the game, the Panthers committed a foul inside the penalty box and Rutgers was awarded a penalty kick. Zoe Avner registered the goal making the score 5-1.

Despite the score, the Panthers continued to battle. Carli Brill and Erin Hills connected passes in the midfield and found senior Erin McFarling. McFarling registered a goal with two minutes remaining in the game.

The Scarlet Knights answered with their final goal with 18 seconds left.

Pitt is back in action when it hosts South Florida on Friday, Oct. 7 at Founders Field. The game begins at 7 p.m.

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