Greensburg, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team traveled to Greensburg on Saturday for their AMCC opening match against the Pitt-Greensburg Bobcats. They trailed 2-0 at the break, and despite a 2nd half goal from Bailee Verdill, ultimately lost the game 6-1.
The Panthers started on the front foot, as Bailee Verdill recorded the first shot on goal of the game in the 9th minute as his effort was stopped in the Bobcat goal. Yihao Xu created the chance, sending a well-timed through ball behind the defense for Verdill. Troy Van Sickle made two saves in the Panthers' goal before a quick shot from the left flank found the side netting to give the hosts a 10-0 lead. Two minutes after the goal, Andre Fratercangelo unleashed a shot from well outside the 18, but his looping effort was acrobatically tipped over the bar. Will Smith had an opportunity to tie the match in the 29th minute when the Panthers were awarded a free kick outside the 18. Smith curled a shot around the wall and on target, only to see his effort parried away for a corner. Pitt-Bradford would rue the missed chances later in the half, as Pitt-Greensburg doubled their lead in the 38th.
Pitt-Bradford came out of the halftime break slowly and saw their deficit grow to 3 after 4 minutes. They were able to get on the board 5-minutes later. The Panthers took advantage of a throw-in on the right flank, as Alex Stockton caught the Bobcats napping, quickly restarting with a throw-in that sent Verdill on the break. Verdill controlled the ball and finished past the keeper. The goal is his 4th of the season. Pitt-Bradford could not hang on to momentum for long, as the hosts restored their lead under a minute later.
Pitt-Greensburg added another in the 62nd minute before the Panthers had another chance to score in the 66th. After a corner kick was headed out of the box, Brady Hathaway settled the loose ball and looped a shot to the upper corner, but his shot was once again knocked away for a corner kick. Hathaway put another shot on target in the 83rd, finding space on the left wing for a shot, however, the angle was too sharp and his shot was caught in the Bobcat goal. Michael Riedel replaced VanSickle for the final 3 minutes, but could not keep the Bobcats out of the goal, allowing one final tally with 32 seconds remaining.
Bailee Verdill scored his 4th goal of the season in the loss. He finished with 2 shots, both on target. Alex Stockton assisted the goal, his 2nd of the season. Brady Hathaway also put two shots on goal, While Andre Fratercangelo and Will Smith also put attempts on target. Troy Van Sickle made 14 saves in the loss.
The loss drops the Panthers to 0-8 on the season, with an 0-1 record in AMCC play. They will return to action on Tuesday, October 1st, when they travel to Alfred State for another AMCC matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
