Alfred, N.Y. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford traveled to Alfred University on Wednesday for a non-conference tilt with the Saxons. The Panthers had a rough stretch around the halftime break, allowing five goals over ten minutes as they ultimately lost the contest 6-0.
The Alfred attack started immediately, as the Saxons registered their first shot just 37 seconds into the match. Christopher House made four early saves before the hosts opened the scoring in the 25th. The Panthers could not control a goal kick and allowed the Saxons to attack down the right flank. The Alfred attacker sent a low cross towards the penalty spot and after a Pitt-Bradford defender could not intercept the pass, it was struck with a one-time shot into the corner.
House made three more saves and was aided by 5 blocked shots by his defense before Alfred doubled their advantage in the 40th. Using a diagonal run through the defense, the hosts beat the Panthers' offside trap and were able to slide a shot past an oncoming keeper for the second goal. Pitt-Bradford nearly made it to halftime with the deficit limited to two goals, but a lightning-quick counter resulted in Alfred scoring for the third time in the half with only 3.3 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the halftime break, the Panthers were not able to pick up any momentum, as Alfred quickly struck for 3 goals in the first five minutes to put the game out of reach. The first goal of the second stanza came after the Panthers failed to control the ball attempting to play out of the back. The hosts pressed the Panther defense playing a short goal kick, forced a turnover, and converted it into a goal. In the 49th, the hosts scored for the 5th time on a curled shot after a short corner and then a minute later Alfred fired in a rebound off a failed clearance to go ahead 6-0.
Shortly after the 6th goal, the Panthers made wholesale changes, including a change at goalkeeper, was Michael Riedel replaced House. Riedel made 5 saves over the remainder of the game, as he and the Panther defense kept the Saxons from adding to their lead. The Panthers were able to carve out a chance and put a shot on goal in the 71st minute. After a corner kick, the Panthers quickly countered with a long ball to Brady Hillman. Hillman held up play long enough for Kojo Imbeah to join the attack. Imbeah received a pass, cut back on his left foot, and put a long-distance shot on goal that was saved by the Saxon keeper.
The Panthers had three shots in the game with one on target. Kojo Imbeah had the only effort on net, while Bailee Verdill missed the net and Moises Ochoa-Castellon had an attempt blocked. Christopher House played 64 minutes and made 11 saves. Michael Riedel played the final 25 and stopped 5 Alfred shots.
The Panthers fall to 0-3 on the season. They will play the first game under the lights on Rathburn Family Field on Saturday, as they will bring Pantherfest activities to a close with a match against Houghton. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m.
