Pittsburgh, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team picked up their first victory of the season as they defeated Carlow 3-2 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh.

The Panthers got out to a lightning-quick start, scoring two goals in the first minute of play. On their first attack of the game, Ayden Ratajczak stole the ball away from the defense along the end line and played a pass to Alex Stockton. Stockton tapped a one-time ball to Kyle Carlson who took a right-footed shot that got through the keeper and rolled into the side netting. The goal was Carlsen's 3rd of the season and was scored in 24 seconds.

Half a minute later, the Panthers doubled their advantage. Brady Hathaway collected a pass in the attacking third, dribbled around a pair of Celtic defenders, and then slid a shot to the far post for his first goal of the year. The Panthers had a few chances to add to their lead, but the chances were futile until the 35th. Pitt-Bradford collected the ball along the back line and switched fields. Will Smith found Carlsen in the middle of the pitch, who played a one-time pass to Conner Rudsell behind him. Rudsell found Ratajczak in front of the Carlow defense and Ratajczak slid a through-ball behind the line for Carlsen. The freshman controlled with a touch and then beat the keeper with a left-footed shot to the far post.

After taking a 3-0 lead into the halftime break, the Panthers started the second half on the front foot, earning two early corners. in the 50th, the hosts were able to break through. The Panthers failed to track a runner on a free kick from the left flank and paid for it, as the Carlow striker was able to control the free kick with a touch past Troy Van Sickle in the Panther goal and head a shot into the open net.

The Panthers attempted to restore their advantage after the goal, as they had 2 corners, had two shots saved, and saw a shot from Bailee Verdill hit the post. The missed chances came back to bite the Panthers as the Celtics were able to cut the lead to one with a goal in the 71st. Quentin Hepner attempted to clear a loose ball but it hit a teammate in front of him and bounced right to a Carlow attacker on the break. Benjamin Preisch hustled back and slowed down the attack, but the Celtic forward cut back and curled a shot into the upper 90.

In the 80th minute, the Panthers nearly lost the lead. After a foul, Van Sickle could not get to the free kick in the box and a shot was headed toward goal. Levent Van Helden sprinted back and cleared the ball off the line, preserving the Pitt-Bradford advantage. Carlow had one final opportunity in the final seconds, but another headed shot sailed over the goal.

Kyle Carlsen scored a pair of goals for Pitt-Bradford, his 3rd and 4th of the season. He also took 7 shots, putting 5 on target. Brady Hathaway scored the other goal for the Panthers, his first of the season. Alex Stockton and Ayden Ratajczak both logged assists in the game. Troy Van Sickle earned his first collegiate victory, making 6 saves.

The Win moves the Panthers to 1-9 on the season. They will be back on Rathburn Family Field in their midweek matchup, when they take on Penn STate-Behrend. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.