Pitt
17-5-1, 6-3-1
Memphis
20-2-0, 9-0-0
Pitt Women’s Soccer Advances to NCAA Elite Eight for the First Time in Program History
11/19/2023 10:16:00 PM | Women's Soccer
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Pittsburgh women's soccer team made history Sunday night after defeating Memphis in the NCAA Sixteen Sixteen at Razorback Field, 3-0.
The Panthers advance to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
In the first half, Samiah Phiri, Ellie Coffield, Sarah Schupansky and Amanda West each posted two shots– all looking for scoring opportunies. Schupansky was able to place both of her shots on goal but found the hands of the Tigers' goalkeeper.
Ellie Breech posted two strong saves for the Panthers – keeping Memphis scoreless in the first 45 minutes.
Neither team was able to place a shot in the first half, both going into the locker room scoreless at 0-0.
Panthers held the majority of possession in the 45 minutes with 54% total – holding an edge in shots (9-5), shots on targe (5-2) and corners (4-2).
The Panthers were ready to finish this dance in the final 45 minutes. At the 52nd minute, Keera Melenhorst secured the first goal for Pitt off of a corner kick from Sarah Schupansky.
The Tigers tried to capitalize on a corner kick of their own but were unable to secure any shots.
At the 75th minute, Deborah Abiodun doubled the Panther's lead with an assist by Phiri. This is the freshman's fifth goal on the season.
The Panthers weren't ready to call it a night just yet. Freshman Aliya Gomes secured th first goal of her career in the 87th minute to top off the night for Pitt.
Ellie Breech had an incredible night in goal – posting save seven save on the night to tie her single-game career high.
Pitt finished the evening with 19-13 shots, 10-7 shots on goal and 7-6 corner kicks.
UP NEXT
The Panthers will head down to Tallahassee, FL to meet the No. 1 Florida State Seminoles on Friday night at 5:30 p.m. for a chance to advance to the College Cup.
Team Stats
Keera Melenhorst (3)
Assisted By: Sarah Schupansky , Ellie Coffield
GOAL by PIT Melenhorst, Keera Assist by Schupansky, Sarah and Coffield, Ellie.
51:37
Deborah Abiodun (6)
Assisted By: Samiah Phiri
GOAL by PIT Abiodun, Deborah Assist by Phiri, Samiah.
75:15
Aliya Gomes (1)
GOAL by PIT Gomes, Aliya.
87:02
