Panthers Host No. 16 Virginia in Final Home Game
10/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Oct. 20, 2016
PITTSBURGH - The Pitt men's soccer team (2-11-2, 0-5-1 ACC) returns to Ambrose Urbanic Field in the Petersen Sports Complex to take on No. 16 Virginia (8-2-4, 2-2-2 ACC) Friday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. Prior to kickoff, the Panthers' four seniors will be recognized on the field.
Friday's match will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra and can be viewed on WatchESPN/WatchESPN App. Live stats will be provided through PittsburghPanthers.com.
THE SERIES
- The Cavaliers lead the all-time series 5-0-0.
- The two teams last met in Charlottesville, Va., a year ago that resulted in a 3-1 loss for the Panthers.
- Head coach Jay Vidovich is 9-10-2 against Virginia.
LAST TIME OUT
- The Panthers dropped a 1-0 decision at Cleveland State Tuesday, Oct. 18.
- The Vikings netted the lone goal in the 57th minute.
SCOUTING THE CAVALIERS
- Virginia comes to Pittsburgh fresh off a 3-0 win over William & Mary Tuesday, Oct. 18.
- The Cavaliers are ranked No. 16 in this week's NSCAA Coaches Poll after previously being ranked No. 21.
- Virginia is led by a trio of players with double-digit points. Sophomore forward Edward Opoku leads the team with 14 points (six goals, two assists), while fellow sophomore Wesley Wade (five goals) and redshirt junior Pablo Aguilar (four goals, two assists) both have 10 points this season.
- In goal, junior Jeff Caldwell has been a steady force making 60 stops while playing in every game this season.
PITT NOTES
- Friday's game will serve as senior night. Sam Marks, Kevin Murray, Stephane Pierre and Matt Venanzi will be recognized prior to kickoff.
- Pitt assistant coach Michael Behonick served as the assistant coach at Virginia for five years before making the move to Penn State and eventually landing with the Panthers. Behonick saw the Cavaliers make four straight NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the 2013 NCAA College Cup. Virginia also reached the ACC semifinals all four years, as well as the 2013 championship game.
- Freshman Luca Mellor continues to lead the Panthers with six points after scoring his third goal of the season Friday, Sept. 23, at Duke.
- Senior Matt Venanzi (two goals) and junior Roosevelt Angulo (one goal, two assists) have four points apiece, good for second-best on the team.
- The Panthers are in their fourth season as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
VIDOVICH ENTERS FIRST YEAR
- Head coach Jay Vidovich (274-130-53, 76-56-24 ACC) is in his first year at the helm of the Pitt men's soccer program.
- Vidovich, a two-time NSCAA Coach of the Year honoree, came to Pitt after spending 21 seasons at Wake Forest, which was highlighted by capturing the 2007 NCAA championship.
- Under his regime, Wake Forest won five Atlantic Coast Conference titles, compiling a 76-52-22 mark in one of the nation's most challenging leagues.
LOOKING AHEAD
- Pitt concludes the regular season on the road Friday, Oct. 28, at Virginia Tech at 7 p.m.
- The Panthers enter the first round of the ACC Championship Wednesday, Nov. 2. The opponent and site will be announced at a later date.
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