Pitt
Rutgers
Men's Soccer Blanks Rutgers 3-0
10/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 16, 2010
INDIANOLA, Pa.--The Pitt men's soccer team claimed its first Big East Conference win as it earned a 3-0 shutout victory over Rutgers Saturday at Founders Field. The win improved Pitt to 6-5-2 overall and 1-2-2 in the Big East Conference while Rutgers drops to 3-8-1 overall and 0-5-0 in the Big East.
Pitt's three goals marked its second highest team scoring output of the season. Pitt defeated Saint Joseph's 5-0 in September.
Senior Justin Boehm gave Pitt a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute when he one-timed a crossing pass from senior Terry Boland past the Rutgers goalkeeper. The play was setup by senior Alex Betancourt's through ball from the midfield. Boland sped past his defender, ran onto the ball and sent a sharp pass across the penalty box to Boehm. Boehm's second goal of the year proved to be the game-winner for the Panthers.
Pitt took a 2-0 lead in the 28th minute when freshman Alex Grayson fired a penalty shot past the Rutgers goalkeeper. The penalty shot was setup when a Rutgers defender committed a foul in the penalty box.
Pitt added an insurance goal in the 67th minute when junior Sam Luffy scored Pitt's most beautiful goal of the year. Junior Terry Akpua dribbled up the right sideline and sailed the ball across the goalmouth where Luffy timed the ball perfectly, dove through the air and headed the ball into the upper right portion of the net. On the season, Luffy leads the Panthers with four goals and nine points.
The Panthers were outshot 15-9 in the game, yet Rutgers only had one or two major scoring opportunities. On offense, Pitt was highly effective and took full advantage of its opportunities.
Junior goalkeeper Hami Kara registered his sixth shutout of the year with five saves in playing the full 90 minutes. He made several crucial saves in the contest. Kara now has made 37 saves and has a 1.05 goals against average on the year. Pitt's four-member backfield of Andy Kalas, Connor Malone, Alex Harrison and Shane Flowers helped limit the Scarlet Knights to only five shots on goal in the contest. The backfield has played a key role in limiting opponents to only 15 goals in 13 matches on the year.
Pitt is back in action when it hosts Georgetown on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at Founders Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The contest marks Pitt's final match at Founders Field as one home contest remains: vs. Connecticut on Oct. 30 at North Allegheny High School. The brand new Petersen Sports Complex will be ready for competition next season.
--30--
