DALLAS – After facing a halftime deficit for the third-consecutive match, the No. 8-ranked Pitt men’s soccer team rallied to knock off No. 22 SMU, 3-1, Saturday evening at the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium in Dallas.
With the victory, the Panthers (4-1-0, 1-0-0 ACC) improved to 2-0 against ranked opponents this season. Additionally, Pitt handed SMU (2-1-2, 0-1-0 ACC) its first loss of the season and its first-ever ACC loss.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead behind a seventh minute strike from reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Week Jaylinn Mitchell and entered the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
Opening the second frame, Pitt’s offense came alive as the Panthers equalized just over nine minutes into the half behind a goal from senior forward Luis Sahmkow.
The Panthers remained on the attack offensively, resulting in the go-ahead goal by senior forward Casper Grening in the 65th minute. Pitt then took a commanding 3-1 lead nearly 11 minutes later as sophomore forward Albert Thorsen slotted home his third goal of the season.
Of note, Pitt’s 4-1 (.800) start this year is its second in the past three seasons.
How It Happened
- Pitt controlled possession early, pressuring SMU’s back line.
- The Panthers’ best opportunity early came on a header from Jackson Gilman that was saved by SMU’s keeper.
- The Mustangs took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Jaylinn Mitchell.
- Both sides then settled into the match defensively, resulting in few scoring opportunities.
- As a team, Pitt…
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