No. 2 Seed Pitt Knocks Off Cornell; Advances to NCAA Round of 16

PITTSBURGH – Despite playing a man down for a majority of the contest, the No. 2 seeded Pitt men’s soccer team knocked off Cornell, 1-0, Sunday evening at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

With the victory, Pitt (13-5-0, 6-2-0 ACC) will advance to the NCAA Round of 16 to face the winner of No. 15 seed Missouri State and Kansas City.

Sunday’s shutout marked Pitt’s first since the win over Denver on Oct. 7. Additionally, the Panthers became only the second team to shutout the Big Red (13-4-2, 5-2-0) this season. Of note, Cornell came into Sunday’s match ranking sixth nationally in scoring offense.

Under head coach Jay Vidovich, Pitt is now 11-4-1 in NCAA Tournament games, including a 6-1-0 ledger at home. Additionally, the Panthers have now reached the round of 16 in five of the last six seasons. 

The Panthers were forced to play down a man after junior defender Jackson Gilman was issued a red card in the 40th minute. Shortly after, Cornell was called for a handball inside the box – resulting in a penalty kick for Pitt.

Graduate midfielder Arnau Vilamitjana then stepped to the spot and buried the penalty kick, giving Pitt a 1-0 lead.

Despite facing relentless pressure in the second half, Pitt’s defense – anchored by junior keeper Cabral Carter held on to preserve the clean sheet as the Panthers defeated the Big Red, 1-0.

How It Happened

• Cornell’s attack got off to a strong start, pressuring Pitt’s back line.

  • The Big Red drew a free kick from just outside the 18′ in the early minutes, but Pitt cleared the ball.

• The Panthers then settled into the match and began to control possession.
• Albert Thorsen broke free down the pitch in the 16th minute, resulting in a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper, but his shot was just saved.
• Over the ensuing 20 minutes of action, both teams attempted numerous shots but were unable to find the back of the net.
• At the 39:31 mark, Jackson Gilman was issued a red card.

  • The Panthers were forced to play the remainder of the contest a man down.

• In the 45th minute, a handball was called on Cornell, resulting in a penalty kick for Pitt.
  
• The Panthers entered the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.

  • Pitt controlled possession 65 percent in the opening period, while holding a 7-3 advantage in…