University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Women's Soccer Opens ACC Play with NC State
9/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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PITTSBURGH – After starting the year with an unprecedented 6-1-1 record, the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team will look to extend its five-game win streak when it hosts NC State on Sunday, Sept. 20, for a 1 p.m. matchup at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
The Panthers notched their first ACC wins last season. After edging Syracuse, 1-0, on the road, Pitt traveled to Raleigh, N.C., and shut out the Wolfpack in their last meeting, 3-0. Taylor Pryce, Roosa Arvas, and Hanna Hannesdottir accounted for the Panthers’ goals on the day – each of whom are expected to play on Sunday.
This weekend’s game will be Social Media Day in conjunction with “Free Soccer Scarf Sunday.” Fans in attendance who follow @PittWSoccer and send the best tweets using the hashtag #PittSoccer may win a Pitt soccer scarf. The team will sign autographs following the game.
WEEKEND PREVIEW
LAST TIME OUT...
Pitt defeated Liberty, 2-1, on a pair of second half goals before traveling to Akron last Sunday. The Panthers picked up their fourth shutout of the season against the Zips, winning 3-0. With the two wins, Pitt improved to 19-10-2 against non-conference foes under head coach Greg Miller.
GOING STREAKING
With a 6-1-1 record to open the season, the Panthers are off to their best start in school history. The team enters ACC action on a five-game win streak sparked by an overtime victory against Colorado College on the road – the longest such streak in program history.
PULLING RANK
Pitt’s hot start has come with some top-notch statistical rankings in several categories. As of Wednesday, Sept. 16, here is where Pitt checked in at a glance:
- Assists per game (2.88) – 8th nationally, 3rd ACC
- Save percentage (.911) – 10th nationally, 1st ACC
- Total points (59) – 18th nationally, 4th ACC
- Goals-against average (.481) – 26th nationally, 3rd ACC
FRESH OFFENSE
Despite the Panthers’ seeming youth, so far it’s been the first-year players making the biggest offensive contributions. Of Pitt’s 59 total points to date, 30 of those have come from freshmen (51%). Jarena Harmon leads the team with four goals as four freshmen have already found the back of net. Kaylee Rabatin’s four assists lead all freshmen and are tied for the team lead (Taylor Pryce).
ALL-TIME ARVAS
Senior forward Roosa Arvas’ offensive impact over her four years has been historic. After she matched the program record for career points last Sunday at Akron, here is a snapshot of where she sits in several of the Pitt women’s soccer record book’s offensive categories:
- T-1st - Career points (51), tied with Ashley Cuba
- 2nd - Career assists (17), leader is Katelyn Ruhe (18)
- T-2nd - Game-winning goals (8), leader is Ashley Habbel (9)
- 4th - Career goals (17), leader is Ashley Cuba (23)
FORT FRANCIS
Rock-solid junior goalkeeper Taylor Francis has recorded 747:40 in net this season and allowed just four goals in 45 attempts. Her 39 saves and four shutouts on the year both rank first in the ACC. Francis’ efforts have led the Panthers to a .911 save percentage overall, which also leads the ACC and checked in at 12th in the country as of Sept. 16. She currently sits second in program history with a .794 save percentage while her seven career shutouts are good for Pitt’s fifth all-time spot.
WORKING OVERTIME
After heading into overtime to defeat Colorado College on August 30, Pitt has now totaled three overtime games so far this season. The team has already matched the total number of overtime games played in the past two seasons combined (3) and the most in a single season since 2012 (4) with 10 games still remaining on the docket.
A PEEK AT THE PACK
Last time in action, NC State dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime on the road at Coastal Carolina on Wednesday. The loss tipped the team back under .500 for the season and marked a 1-3 record for the Wolfpack in their last four contests. NC State’s offense has been efficient to date, putting 48 of its 91 total shots on target (52.7%). The Wolfpack are led by four goals from Jackie Stengel and have employed a goalkeeping duo of Sydney Wootten and Mackenzie Stelljes, each of whom have appeared in six games and recorded 20+ saves.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The Pitt women’s soccer team enters its 20th season of competition this year. Pitt faces an 18-game schedule, including eight home games. The slate features a number of high-caliber opponents, including six 2014 NCAA Tournament teams and five among the NSCAA’s preseason top-25 rankings. Three games will be broadcast on ESPN3: 9/24 vs. Wake Forest, 10/8 vs. Boston College, and 10/22 at Duke.
UP NEXT...
Pitt will take on Wake Forest at home on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
