Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team picked up an important victory over Penn State-Altoona on a record-setting Senior Day at the Kessel Athletic Complex.
Senior Chase Rider set broke two Panther single-season records as he scored his 17th goal and added his 9th assist of the season in an 8-0 dismantling of the Lions.
Prior to the game, the Panthers took a moment to recognize its four senior players. Sihle Sizani, TJ Magro, Brent Kennedy, and Chase Rider were all joined by friends and family as they were honored by their teammates and fans.
Once the game began, the Panthers took control of the match immediately. Rider got off three early shots, but the Panthers were unable to open the scoring until the 6th minute. After a cross from the right-wing was cleared out of the Lion's defensive area, Jan Winnewisser dribbled to the left-wing and sent a second cross to the back post, at the post, Joe Magro was able to get open and head the ball into the back of the net to put the Panthers ahead. The Lions seemed to respond to the early deficit as Sizani was forced into two diving saves, but Rider was able to double the Panther lead in the 29th. Austin Hogan sent a precise through ball behind the defensive line, which found Rider at full sprint. Rider collected the pass and slid a shot into the corner for his record-breaking 17th goal of the season.
Rider did not rest on the laurels of his new program record, as he scored a second goal in the 38th. He once again found his way behind the Lion defense, this time on a pass from Jan Winnewisser. He beat the goalie to the through-ball and chipped a shot into the net for his brace. After the halftime break, the Panthers faced tough high press from the Lions' attack but were able to break through and add a 4th in the 63rd. On the play, Rider set his second single-season record of the day, as he picked up an assist on the goal. Brent Kennedy collected a loose ball near the midfield circle, and quickly sent Rider down the wing with a long, through pass. Rider collected the pass and calmly slid a pass back across the goal to an open Scott Compson who used his torso to redirect the ball into the net.
A Minute later, Rider added his second assist of the day. The Panthers quickly countered a Penn State-Altoona attack as Devin Stowe was able to flick a header onto Compson near midfield. Compson was able to find Winnewisser in the middle of the pitch, who quickly played a pass to Rider down the wing. Rider dribbled towards the end line and pulled a pass back to Winnewisser who used a two-touch finish to extend the lead to 5. In the 66th, Rider completed his hat trick. Magro led a counterattack and found Compson open on the right-wing. Compson cut back and took a shot which deflected off a Lion defender. The deflection affected the Penn State-Altoona goalkeeper who fumbled the shot, which fell to Rider who easily scored into an open net for his third.
Pitt-Bradford added a 7th through Compson under a minute later. Joe Magro won a tackle near midfield and quickly set the Panthers back on the attack. He chipped a pass to Spencer Sklar, who headed the ball to Winnewisser in the middle of the field. After the header, Sklar sprinted down the wing, where Winnewisser chipped a pass behind the defense. Sklar collected the pass and passed back to Compson who coolly finished from close range for his second. Sklar finished the scoring in the 74th minute. He cut back after receiving a pass from Winnewisser and drilled a shot into the bottom right corner from outside the 18-yard box.
Chase Rider finished the day with 3 goals and 2 assists. He now has 19 goals and 10 assists on the season, both program records. He currently leads the AMCC in both categories and the NCAA in goals and total points (48). Scott Compson's 2 goals give him 8 on the season. Jan Winnewisser finished the game with a goal and three assists. He now has 5 goals and 7 assists this season. Sklar scored his 4th goal of the season, while Magro added his second. Sihle Sizani made 8 saves as he picked up his second shutout of the season.
The Panthers are now 6-6-1 on the season and have a 4-2 record in AMCC play. They are currently in 4th place in the conference, and with a win in their final two conference games, will secure a home game in the post-season. They will head to Buffalo to take on Medaille during their midweek match-up. The game is scheduled for 8:15 on Wednesday night.