No. 8 Pitt Storms Back to Stun No. 22 SMU in ACC Opener

Saturday, September 7

Dallas, TX

8 PM

Pitt

4-1-0, 1-0-0

SMU

2-1-2, 0-1-0

Pittsburgh

SMU

No. 8 Pitt Storms Back to Stun No. 22 SMU in ACC Opener

9/7/2024 11:14:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

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.