Pitt
SMU
No. 8 Pitt Storms Back to Stun No. 22 SMU in ACC Opener
9/7/2024 11:14:00 PM | Men's Soccer
DALLAS – After facing a halftime deficit for the third-consecutive match, the No. 8-ranked Pitt men's soccer team rallied to knock off No. 22 SMU, 3-1, Saturday evening at the Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium in Dallas.
With the victory, the Panthers (4-1-0, 1-0-0 ACC) improved to 2-0 against ranked opponents this season. Additionally, Pitt handed SMU (2-1-2, 0-1-0 ACC) its first loss of the season and its first-ever ACC loss.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead behind a seventh minute strike from reigning ACC Offensive Player of the Week Jaylinn Mitchell and entered the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage.
Opening the second frame, Pitt's offense came alive as the Panthers equalized just over nine minutes into the half behind a goal from senior forward Luis Sahmkow.
The Panthers remained on the attack offensively, resulting in the go-ahead goal by senior forward Casper Grening in the 65th minute. Pitt then took a commanding 3-1 lead nearly 11 minutes later as sophomore forward Albert Thorsen slotted home his third goal of the season.
Of note, Pitt's 4-1 (.800) start this year is its second in the past three seasons.
How It Happened
- Pitt controlled possession early, pressuring SMU's back line.
- The Panthers' best opportunity early came on a header from Jackson Gilman that was saved by SMU's keeper.
- The Mustangs took an early 1-0 lead on a goal from Jaylinn Mitchell.
- Both sides then settled into the match defensively, resulting in few scoring opportunities.
- As a team, Pitt attempted five shots in the first half, with just one coming on goal.
- The Panthers faced a 1-0 halftime deficit.
- Pitt's offense came alive to open the second half as the Panthers fired three shots over the first nine minutes of the frame.
- Pitt tied the match at one apiece in the 54th minute on a goal from Luis Sahmkow.
- The Panthers attempted four shots over the ensuing 11 minutes of play.
- Casper Grening gave Pitt a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute on an assist from Lasse Dahl.
- The Panthers remained on the attack, before taking a 3-1 advantage on a tally from Albert Thorsen.
- Of note, Dahl recorded his career-high second assist of the match.
- Pitt went on to earn the 3-1 victory in its ACC opener.
Details of Note
- Pitt earned its second win over a ranked opponent this season.
- Luis Sahmkow scored his second goal of the season.
- Casper Grening recorded the 12th goal of his career and his first as a Panther.
- Of note, his last tally came against Pitt during the 2022 season.
- Albert Thorsen notched his team-high third goal of the season.
- Lasse Dahl and Guilherme Feitosa both tallied two assists.
Up Next
Pitt will return home to face No. 15 Louisville on Friday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the match can be streamed via ACCNX.
