Pitt
Rutgers
Men's Soccer Upsets No. 20 Ranked Rutgers 1-0
9/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 19, 2008
INDIANOLA, Pa.--Senior E.J. McCormick collected a loose ball on the goal's right side and nailed a shot into the goal's lower left corner in the 84th minute to give the Panthers a 1-0 victory over No. 20 ranked Rutgers Friday night at Founders Field.
This win marks the first time Pitt has defeated Rutgers since 1996 and the first time it has beaten a ranked opponent since 2002 when it defeated Notre Dame 1-0.
Pitt improved its record to 5-1-1, 1-0-0 in Big East play and is off to its best start since 2000 when it began 6-1-0 after seven games. Rutgers dropped to 3-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in Big East play.
Defense was the first key to another Pitt win. Goalkeeper Eric Barnes helped Pitt record its fifth shutout in seven games. Defenders Andy Kalas and Connor Malone had another excellent night allowing only 10 shots for the Scarlet Knights (five in the first period and five in the second) and Pitt defenders have only allowed 73 shots through seven games. Pitt has yeilded only three goals through its first seven games this year.
The second key to Pitt's win was timely scoring. The previous two games, Pitt has won 1-0 on game winning goals. Tonight, McCormick scored to put the Panthers up with five minutes left in the contest. This gives McCormick his second game winning goal on the year and his third of his career.
One critical error by the Scarlet Knights was a red card in the 74th minute forcing them to play a man down for the last 16 minutes. This gave Pitt a huge advantage and they converted on a loose ball that McCormick put into the lower left corner.
Pitt came out aggressive in the first half and outshot Rutgers 9-5. On the game, they outshot the Scarlet Knights 11-10 and goalkeeper Eric Barnes made four saves.
The Panthers host the Villanova Wildcats on September 21. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Founders Field.
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