Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team battled back from another two-goal deficit to defeat Alfred State 4-3 in the opening game of their AMCC slate.
After struggling to keep many of their early-season opponents from scoring early, the Panthers turned the tables on the visitors, as they were able to break the ice in the 2nd minute of play. Chase Rider Played a long ball through the channel for Spencer Sklar to start the attack. Sklar was beaten to the ball by the Pioneer goalkeeper, who mishit his clearance attempt, leaving it for Jan Winnewisser. Winnewisser controlled the ball, took two dribbles to his left, and calmly slid a shot into the open goal. It was the quickest Panther goal since Chase Rider scored 1:34 into a match against Muskingum in 2018.
The visitors were able to regain their composure after the early goal and score the next three. In the first half, the Pioneers were able to score twice in a two-minute span, using some fortuitous bounces. In the 28th minute, Jack Leahy took a shot off the top of the box that deflected off of a Panther defender, the deflection sent the ball to the right corner, as Panther goalkeeper Sihle Sizani dove to the left to stop the original shot. Two minutes later, Leahy took another shot from the top of the box. This time it deflected off to the left where Leng Van was able to collect the rebound and easily score to put the Pioneers ahead.
Both teams traded chances around the halftime break, but it was Alfred State that scored the next goal, pushing their advantage to two. They utilized a long throw which was headed to the back post for an uncontested finish. At the 60-minute mark, the game changed, as the Panthers began to press forward to attempt their second two-goal comeback in as many games. The Panthers saw 4 attempts on goal save, but were able to break the Pioneer resistance in the 71st minute with a goal from an unexpected place. Right-back Austin Hogan collected the ball near the half, and began moving forward, Hogan played a pass into chase rider who hit a one-time chip back to Hogan who continued his run down the line. Hogan reached the ball and sliced a shot from the wing that found its way into the top left corner to cut the lead to one. The goal was the junior defender's first career tally.
Ten minutes later, the Panthers took advantage of another Alfred State misplay to even the match. Morounfoluwa Olorunyomi played a long pass into the Pioneer box, which was misjudged by the onrushing Alfred State goalkeeper, who missed his punch at the ball. The pass landed in the box and was headed home by Brent Kennedy to tie the score. The goal was the senior's second of the campaign. Four minutes later, the Panthers were able to retake the lead and complete their comeback. Chase Rider drew a foul and the halfway line, and Olorunyomi took the opportunity to send another long ball into the box. Kennedy was able to win the header once again, this time putting it back towards the middle of the box, where Scott Compson was able to meet it with a one-time, left-footed shot. Compson's shot went into the side netting, giving the Panthers the 4-3 victory.
The game marked the second time this week that the Panthers overcame a two-goal deficit to pick up a home victory. Winnewisser and Kennedy's goals were both their second of the season. Compson's goal was his 4th of the season and 2nd game-winner. With his assist, Chase Rider has tallied a point in every game he has played this season. Sihle Sizani made 4 saves in the match to pick up his 3rd win of the year.
The Panthers (3-3-1, 1-0 AMCC) will be back in action on Tuesday, as they travel to Houghton for a non-conference matchup. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.
