Pitt
Kentucky
No. 16 Kentucky Defeats Pitt 4-1 in Exhibition Opener
8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
PITTSBURGH – Despite a goal from Pitt sophomore Hanna Hannesdottir in the 70th minute, the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team sustained a 4-1 defeat to No. 16 Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon in exhibition action at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
“We weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be and allowed Kentucky too much of the play,” said head coach Greg Miller. “Early on in preseason, an opponent like Kentucky is why we play the game. I’m happy that we were able to get this game in. It will show us a lot on video.”
The Wildcats struck first as UK forward Jade Klump headed home a cross from left midfielder Katy Keen in the 16th minute of action. Keen’s cross found Klump in the middle of the box and she beat Pitt starting keeper Taylor Francis to the far post.
UK would take that 1-0 lead into halftime, but it took the Wildcats just 16 seconds into the second half to gain a 2-0 lead as a defensive miscue led to Klump slotting home a breakaway as UK surged ahead by a two goal advantage.
The Wildcats then took a 3-0 lead in the 67th minute when Kelly Novak converted on a penalty kick, but Hannesdottir then got the Panthers on the board three minutes later when a deflected ball found her at the top of the box and she buried her shot in the upper left corner.
A goal from UK freshman Payton Atkins with five minutes remaining in the contest would be the final tally of the game which gave the Wildcats a 4-1 lead which would ultimately be the final score.
Kentucky held the advantage in time of possession and also had eight corner kicks compared to five for the Panthers.
Pitt will return to action in three days when the Panthers host Bowling Green at the Petersen Sports Complex on August 15, at 6 p.m.
