Pitt
11-3-0, 5-1-0
North Carolina
8-2-4, 3-2-1
Vilamitjana Brace Leads No. 4 Pitt Past No. 7 North Carolina
10/19/2024 9:58:00 PM | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Behind an 88th minute strike from graduate midfielder Arnau Vilamitjana, the No. 4-ranked Pitt men's soccer team stunned No. 7 North Carolina, 2-1, Saturday evening at Dorrance Field in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The victory snapped Pitt's (11-3-0, 5-1-0 ACC) two-match losing streak, while moving the Panthers into sole possession of first place in the ACC with just two regular season matches remaining. Additionally, Saturday's win improved the Panthers to a perfect 5-0 against ranked opponents this season.
Of note, Pitt has outscored its ranked opponents by an 11-2 margin, while holding three (then-No. 16 Georgetown, then-No. 17 Virginia Tech and then-No. 6 Denver) scoreless.
After the two sides played to a 1-1 draw over the first 80 minutes of action, Pitt began to pressure the Tar Heels' (8-2-4, 3-2-1 ACC) back line down the stretch, resulting in several near scoring opportunities.
With just under three minutes remaining, Vilamitjana, a native of Girona, Spain, received a pass from senior midfielder Guilherme Feitosa just inside the box. Vilamitjana then fired a right-footed strike, past the goalkeeper, towards the far post for his second tally of the contest.
The Panthers held on defensively for the remainder of the match, securing their fifth ACC win and improving to 5-1 away from Ambrose Urbanic Field this season.
How It Happened
- Pitt controlled possession for the first 10 minutes of action.
- North Carolina then settled into the match and began to play long balls to create chances.
- Both sides stepped up defensively, as the final 30 minutes of the first half featured just two shot attempts.
- Albert Thorsen nearly opened the scoring in the 33rd minute as he blasted a shot from about eight yards out, but his shot was saved.
- Thorsen's attempt was the lone shot on goal from either team in the first half.
- Albert Thorsen nearly opened the scoring in the 33rd minute as he blasted a shot from about eight yards out, but his shot was saved.
- The Panthers and the Tar Heels played to a scoreless draw through 45 minutes of action.
- North Carolina increased its intensity to open the second half, pressuring Pitt's back line.
- The Tar Heels logged four shots over the first eight minutes of the second frame.
- At the 55:42 mark, Vilamitjana headed home his second goal of the season on a corner kick to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead.
- Less than three minutes later, North Carolina equalized after capitalizing on a penalty kick.
- The Tar Heels then gained momentum and began to control possession.
- Over the ensuing 15 minutes of play, Pitt started to stretch out North Carolina's defense, creating several near scoring chances.
- With just under three minutes left, Vilamitjana slotted home his second goal of the contest to secure the win.
- Pitt defeated North Carolina, 2-1.
Details of Note
- Vilamitjana earned his first brace as a Panther.
- Mateo Maillefaud logged his 40th career start and his 50th career appearance.
- Casper Grening made his 55th career appearance.
- Lasse Dahl logged his fifth career start.
Up Next
The Panthers will return home to face Virginia on Friday, Oct. 25. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the match can be streamed via ACCNX.
Team Stats
Arnau Vilamitjana (3)
Assisted By: Guilherme Feitosa
GOAL by PIT Vilamitjana, Arnau Assist by Feitosa, Guilherme.
55:42
Sam Williams (3)
UNC Sam Williams PENALTY KICK GOAL.
58:07
Arnau Vilamitjana (3)
Assisted By: Guilherme Feitosa
GOAL by PIT Vilamitjana, Arnau Assist by Feitosa, Guilherme.
87:08
