Bradford, PA. --- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford brought the 2024 regular season to an end on a high note, winning their final home game of the season 5-0 over Bryant & Stratton - Buffalo.
Despite the Bobcats taking the first shot of the game, Pitt-Bradford struck first, taking the lead after 10 minutes of play. The Panthers attacked the Bobcats down the right flank, finding space near the end line. Kyle Carlsen sent a quick pass back into the middle of the box to Gladwin Timothy, who touched the ball to Bailee Verdill near the six. Verdill fired a close-range shot that was saved, but the effort rebounded back off Verdill, who forced the ball into the goal for the opener. The goal was Verdill's 6th of the season.
After the goal, the play switched back and forth as both teams had shots on goal that were stopped by the opposing goalkeepers. In the 35th minute, the Panthers finally broke through for the second. Carlsen took control of the ball in the Panther half and fired a long pass over the defense, sending Brady Hathaway on a fast break. Hathaway easily controlled the pass and slid a shot beyond the keeper and just inside the far post for his third goal of the campaign.
The Panthers nearly increased their lead after 5 minutes when Ayden Ratajczak hit the post but they were successful in adding to the advantage moments later. Michael Riedel made a save in the Panther goal and quickly hit Verdill with a throw to start the counterattack. After the visitors forced the ball out of bounds, Ratajczak used a quick throw-in to find Carlsen in the middle of the field. The freshman midfielder slid a pass beyond the center backs for Gladwin Timothy, who controlled the pass and slid a shot under the keeper for his 2nd of the year.
In the 70th minute, the Panthers added their fourth goal. After winning a free kick, Will Smith hit a long pass towards the 18-yard box beyond the defense. Kyle Carlsen was able to beat the Bobcats to the ball and take a quick shot beyond the onrushing goalkeeper for his team-leading 8th of the season.
With 90 seconds to go, the Panthers scored one final time, pushing the final advantage to 5. Pitt-Bradford used a quick throw-in down the left wing, sending Brady Hillman toward the end line. Hillman drove a low cross into the box, where Mamady Traore was unguarded. Traore used one touch to redirect the pass into the goal. It was the sophomore's first career goal.
5 different Panthers scored in the Panther win, led by Kyle Carlsen, who also logged a pair of assists. Bailee VErdill scored the opener and led the Panthers with 7 shots, including 4 on goal. Brady Hathaway and Gladwin Timothy both scored on one of 2 shots on goal, while Mamady Traore scored on his only shot on goal. Michael Riedel recorded his 2nd career shutout, making 11 saves in the victory.
The Panthers finish their regular season with a 4-12-1 record. They are currently in a tie for the 6th and final playoff spot, despite not having any conference games remaining. The Panthers will pay close attention to tomorrow's AMCC finale between Mount Aloysius and Penn State-Altoona, hoping for a Mount Aloysius victory to grant them the final playoff spot.
