Oct. 24, 2008
Box Score
TAMPA, Fla.— The Pitt women’s soccer team scored an unanswered second half goal to shutout South Florida 1-0 on Friday night at the USF Soccer/Track Stadium. With the win, the Panthers gained a decisive three points in the American Division standings and clinched a berth in the BIG EAST Championship. Pitt improved its record to 7-10-1 overall and 4-5-1 in conference play, while South Florida slipped to 7-7-3 and 3-6-1.
Pitt recorded the first shot of the evening, as midfielder Katelyn Ruhe’s shot from inside of the box soared wide left. Senior Jennifer Kritch followed with a shot on goal in the 20th minute. Kritch would notch three shots on goal in the match.
The two programs headed into halftime tied at 0-0.
Pitt broke the 0-0 tie with a goal near the beginning of the second period. Forward Ashley Habbel recorded the night’s lone goal with a strike in the 48th minute. The goal marked Habbel’s eighth career game winner and third game-winning goal this season. With the score, Habbel now needs just two more goals to set the school’s career scoring record. Cande Ruiz tops the leader board after she totaled 18 goals from 1998-2001.
A strong defensive showing by the Panthers prevented the Bulls from gaining scoring opportunities. In the 80th minute, South Florida’s Jeanette Dyer fired a shot at the net, but Pitt goalkeeper Morie Kephart snagged the ball. Kephart would total two saves in the match to earn her fourth shutout this season.
Along with their solid backfield effort, the Panthers penetrated the South Florida defense throughout the game, tallying six shots on goal to the Bulls’ two. Pitt initiated an offensive flurry in the 71st minute that featured three shots on goal from Kritch, Ruhe and Rebecca Fraser within a six-minute span. Four Pitt players registered shots on goal during the match.
Pitt hopes to continue its momentum as it travels to Marquette on Sunday. The match marks the final regular season game for the Panthers. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. in Milwaukee.
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