University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Providence
Women's Soccer Defeats Providence 2-1 in Overtime
10/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 12, 2008
INDIANOLA, Pa.—The Pitt women’s soccer team scored a goal in overtime to earn a 2-1 decision over Providence on Sunday afternoon at Founders Field. A strong offensive start coupled with aggressive play in the extra period gave the Panthers their second Big East conference win. The game marked the first overtime victory for Pitt this season.
A set piece early in the first half gave Providence its first chance to score, but Pitt goalkeeper Morie Kephart snagged the ball. Kephart finished the day with four saves.
Pitt responded with three corner kick opportunities in just over six minutes. The Panthers were unable to capitalize on the offensive flurry, which included shots on goal taken by Ashley Habbel and A’idah Clinton.
In the 24th minute, the Panthers took a 1-0 lead as Habbel collected a pass inside the box from Liz Carroll and fired the ball into the top right corner.
Pitt dictated pace throughout the remainder of the first half, outshooting Providence 6-2 in the opening period. The programs entered halftime with Pitt holding a 1-0 advantage.
The Friars registered the tying goal early in the second half. In the 57th minute, a goal by Providence’s Victoria Neff evened the score at 1-1. Neff dribbled past the Pitt defense and shot into the lower right corner to score.
Despite trading shots, neither team managed to break the 1-1 tie during regulation.
Pitt increased its offensive pressure in overtime. In the 96th minute, freshman Katelyn Ruhe received a pass from Christina Nicassio and finished into the top right corner to tally her fifth goal and first collegiate game winner.
“It took a while, but we got our outside backs more in play today,” said Pitt Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin. “We did well with finishing our chances and had two good strikes.”
With her total of two points on the afternoon, Habbel moved into sole possession of second place on Pitt’s all-time career points list with 36. Cande Ruiz (1998-2001) ranks atop of the career point list with 47. Habbel, who scored her 15th career goal, also needs just four more goals to surpass Ruiz as the Panthers’ leading all-time goal scorer.
Pitt improved its record to 5-10-0 overall and 2-5-0 in conference play, while Providence slipped to 5-5-3 and 0-4-3 in the Big East.
Pitt hopes to continue its momentum as it returns to Founders Field to host Big East foe Villanova on Friday, Oct. 17. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
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