Pitt
10-1-0, 4-0-0
Denver
7-1-4, 2-0-0
No. 1 Pitt Tops No. 6 Denver, 2-0
10/7/2024 10:13:00 PM | Men's Soccer
PITTSBURGH – In a matchup that featured the No. 1 teams in both the United Soccer Coaches Poll and the Top Drawer Soccer Top 25, the Pitt men's soccer team knocked off previously unbeaten Denver, 2-0, Monday evening at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
The Panthers (10-1-0, 4-0-0 ACC) extended the nation's longest winning streak to seven, while handing Denver (7-1-4, 2-0-0 Summit League) its first loss of the season. Additionally, Monday marked Pitt's highest ranked win since the Panthers defeated then-No. 2 Georgetown, 2-1, to open the 2022 campaign.
Defensively, Pitt limited Denver to a season-low five shots, while joining Portland and UCLA as the lone teams to register a clean sheet against the Pioneers. Of note, Pitt came into Monday's contest ranking fourth nationally in goals against average.
As a unit, Pitt attempted 13 shots – marking the most Denver has allowed since Nov. 9, 2023 against Kansas City. The Panthers also became only the second team to tally multiple goals against the Pioneers in their last eight matches.
After both sides came out playing a strategic brand of soccer for much of the first half, Pitt finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute as senior midfielder Michael Sullivan maneuvered through Denver's back line, before firing a strike past the outreached arms of the keeper.
The goal marked Sullivan's first of the season and the sixth of his career.
After taking a 1-0 lead into the halftime break, Pitt came out aggressively in the second half, playing on the front foot. The Panthers then used a blend of progression and possession to wear down the Pioneers' defense, resulting in a 51st minute strike from senior forward Casper Grening.
Despite pressure from Denver's attacking players, Pitt's back line held on to secure the clean sheet, earning its sixth of the season and its fourth in the last five matches.
With Monday's result, Pitt improved to 36-5-7 at Ambrose Urbanic Field over the last five seasons.
How It Happened
- Both sides came out looking to control possession early.
- Guilherme Feitosa fired the Panthers' first shot in the sixth minute, but his attempt sailed off frame.
- Pitt earned back-to-back corner kicks in the 15th and 16th minutes, respectively.
- Luis Sahmkow had a near scoring opportunity at the 25:28 mark, but his shot veered just right of the target.
- Sullivan opened the scoring in the 39th minute, by way of a right-footed strike.
- Lasse Dahl and Sahmkow assisted on the goal.
- Pitt entered the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
- The Panthers controlled possession 68 percent in the opening frame.
- Denver was limited to just one shot attempt.
- The Panthers controlled possession 68 percent in the opening frame.
- Pitt opened the first half on the front foot, attempting two shots in the first 75 seconds of action.
- Keeper Jack Moxom then notched consecutive saves to maintain the Panthers' lead.
- At the 50:37 mark, Grening blasted a shot from just outside the box past Denver's goalkeeper to extend the lead.
- Pitt began to control possession down the stretch, attempting only two shots over the following 30 minutes of action.
- The Panthers' defense held on to secure the 2-0 victory.
Details of Note
- Grening logged his 15th career goal and his 40th career start.
- Sullivan tallied his sixth career goal.
- Casper Svendby notched his 10th start as a Panther.
- Eben McIntyre made his 20th-career appearance.
Up Next
The Panthers will remain home, hosting Cal on Friday at 7 p.m. The match can be streamed via ACCNX.
Team Stats
Michael Sullivan (1)
Assisted By: Lasse Dahl , Luis Sahmkow
GOAL by PIT Sullivan, Michael Assist by Dahl, Lasse and Sahmkow, Luis.
38:34
Casper Grening (4)
Assisted By: Mateo Maillefaud , Arnau Vilamitjana
GOAL by PIT Grening, Casper Assist by Maillefaud, Mateo and Vilamitjana, Arnau.
50:37
