Vidovich Records 350th-Career Win as Second Half Surge Lifts No. 3 Pitt Past Penn State

Friday, August 30

University Park, PA

7 PM

Pitt

3-0-0, 0-0-0

Penn State

1-2-0, 0-0-0

Pittsburgh

Penn St.

Vidovich Records 350th-Career Win as Second Half Surge Lifts No. 3 Pitt Past Penn State

8/30/2024 10:06:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – After facing a 1-0 halftime deficit, the No. 3-ranked Pitt men's soccer team rallied to stun in-state rival Penn State, 2-1, Friday evening at Jeffrey Field in University Park, Pa.

Friday's victory marked the 350th-career win for head coach Jay Vidovich. Additionally, the Panthers (3-0-0, 0-0-0 ACC) improved to 3-1-1 against the Nittany Lions (1-2-0, 0-0-0 B1G) since 2017, while securing their first 3-0 start since the 2020-21 campaign.

Despite controlling possession, and owning a 6-1 shot advantage, Pitt trailed entering the halftime break.

Undaunted, the Panthers remained on the attack following the intermission. In the 60th minute, sophomore forward Albert Thorsen was taken down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for Pitt.

After a brief video review, the call stood and senior midfielder Guilherme Feitosa stepped to the spot, nailing his 10th-career goal. Over the ensuing five minutes of play, the Panthers' constant offensive pressure began to wear down Penn State's backline.

At the 65:06 mark, freshman forward Lasse Dahl sent a perfect cross into the box, connecting with junior defender Casper Svendby – who headed home his first goal of the year, giving Pitt a 2-1 advantage.

The Panthers' defense held on to secure the victory, allowing only two shots over the final 25 minutes of play.

Of note, Penn State was issued a red card in the 73rd minute and played the remainder of the contest down a man.

How It Happened

Penn State opened the match on the front foot, before Pitt settled in and began to control possession.
The Panthers' first quality chance came in the 11th minute as Luis Sahmkow fired a strike towards the top right of the net that was saved by Penn State's goalkeeper.
- Pitt continued to hold possession in the final third.
Arnau Vilamitjana attempted the Panthers' ensuing three shots but was unable to find the back of the net.
In the 38th minute, Penn State took a 1-0 lead behind a goal from Christian Dionne.
- Of note, it marked the first goal allowed this season for Pitt.
The Panthers continued to pressure Penn State's backline.
- Feitosa nearly found the equalizer at the 41:15 mark, but his shot sailed off frame.
The Nittany Lions entered the halftime break with a 1-0 lead.
Pitt came out aggressive in the second frame, keeping possession in the final third.
The Panthers found the equalizer in the 60th minute as Thorsen was taken down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick.
- Feitosa fired a strike past Penn State's keeper.
Pitt remained on the attack offensively, seeking the winner.
Less than six minutes after tying the contest, Svendby scored to give Pitt a 2-1 lead.
In the 73rd minute, Penn State was issued a red card and played the remainder of the contest down a man.
Pitt held on to secure the 2-1 come-from-behind victory.

Details of Note

Jackson Gilman made his first start of the 2024 campaign.
Svendby scored his first goal as a Panther after transferring from Dayton.
Dahl has now recorded an assist in consecutive matches.
Penn State's goal marked the first Pitt has conceded this season.
Feitosa scored his 10th-career goal.

Up Next
Pitt will now travel to Philadelphia to face Penn on Sunday, Sept. 1. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the match can be streamed via ESPN+.