Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team will look to continue to build momentum in 2022 as they enter the season aiming for their 3rd consecutive AMCC Tournament birth.
The Panthers finished their 2021 season with a 7-8-1 overall record, with a 5-3 record in AMCC play. Their success against conference opponents saw them earn the #4 seed in the AMCC postseason tournament, giving them their first home playoff contest in 10 seasons. Unfortunately, the Panthers fell to #5 Alfred State 2-0, bringing their season to a close.
The Panthers will have some big shoes to fill in 2022, as their 4 seniors accounted for 194 games played, including 150 starts, 49 goals, 21 assists in the field, 245 saves, 15 wins, and 7 shutouts in goal. Forward Chase Rider had a historic season in 2021, setting program records in goals, assists, and points, all while becoming the first player in program history to finish the season as a statistical champion. Rider led all of the NCAA in points per game as he averaged 3.60 points per contest. Also graduating were midfielders TJ Magro and Brent Kennedy, and goalkeeper Sihle Sizani.
"We are going to have a very young team this year, but I'm excited to start our season," said head men's soccer coach Nate Whitehurst. "We lost a few key players from last year but I think we have some players that are going to step up and fill those spots."
The Panthers will look to fill the offensive void left by the Class of 2021-22 through senior forwards Scott Compson and Spencer Sklar. Compson, a 2021 All-AMCC 3rd team selection, scored 8 goals and assisted on 4 more in 2021. He has scored 11 goals and registered 6 assists in two previous seasons. His fellow senior Spencer Sklar has scored 13 career goals and added two assists.
Juniors Evan Baldwin and Devin Stowe will look to control the midfield in front of a young defensive line. The Panthers will utilize a trio of juniors in goal to replace Sizani. Jared Scarlett and Evan Schmidt are in their 2nd seasons with the program, as they have combined for 3 starts, a 1-2 record and 20 saves, and a shutout (Schmidt). Also looking to make their mark on the goalkeeping union are newcomers, Trevor Clark and Gage Molyneux.
The Panthers will start their season on the road, as they head to Alfred University on Thursday, September 1. They will play their first 5 contests away from Bradford, before opening their home slate against Nazareth at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13th.
