Salamanca, N.Y. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team played their final home match of the season on Wednesday, as they fell 3-2 to Hilbert.
The contest started off on even footing, as both teams were able to control the ball and find space for shots on target. Three different Panthers took shots within the first 10 minutes, but none could find the target, while Hilbert put two efforts on goal, which were stopped by starting goalkeeper Evan Schmidt. The Panthers were able to break through first, as they scored in the 19th minute. The Panthers took control of the ball near midfield and after a quick give-and-go passing move, Roman Sheets sent Brady Hathaway behind the defense. Hathaway was able to outrun the Hawks' defense and slide a shot past the ongoing keeper into the side netting. The goal was Hathaway's first in a Panther uniform.
The lead did not last long, however, as Hilbert was able to possess the ball in the box and slam home the tying goal after a backheel pass just after the 21-minute mark. Their attack continued after the restart, but the Panthers were able to rebuff their attacks as Cole Faulkner saved a shot off the line and Schmidt made another stop. The pressure continued, and the Panthers relented, as the Hawks scored again in the 29th to take the lead. Hathaway and Devin Stowe were able to get shots off in the final 5 minutes of the half, but could not find the net, sending the game to the break with Pitt-Bradford trailing 2-1.
The Hawks doubled their advantage 6 minutes after the break, as they headed a long cross-field pass behind the defense to set up a breakaway finish to go ahead 3-1. The Panthers responded quickly and got the deficit back to one goal in the 56th minute. Bailee Verdill dribbled the ball into the box but ran into a group of Hilbert defenders, who poked the ball away. Gladwin Timothy was able to control the ball and take a quick shot that sailed into the right side netting for the Panthers' second goal. It was Timothy's second goal of the season.
The Panthers continued pressing for the remainder of the game, looking to find an equalizing goal. Their best opportunity came in the 81st minute. VErdill was able to dribble the ball through the defense, but shooting from a tight angle tried to curl the ball into the far corner but missed the net. Verdill had two more shots in the final 10 minutes of the game, but could not put them on target.
Brady Hathaway scored his first collegiate goal in the loss. He took 3 shots putting 1 on target. Roman Sheets picked up the assist on Hathaway's strike. Gladwin Timothy scored unassisted for the Panthers' second goal on his only shot of the game. Bailee Verdill led the Panthers with 5 shots, putting 1 on goal. Evan Schmidt made 7 saves for the Panthers, while Cole Faulkner also cleared one off the line.
The Panthers fall to 1-11-2 on the season with a 1-5-1 record in AMCC play. They no longer control their own destiny as they aim for the final AMCC postseason spot, as they will need to win their remaining games and get some help from other teams in the conference. They will be back in action on Saturday, as they travel to Penn State-Altoona for a crucial match against the Lions. Kickoff is scheduled for approximately 4:15 p.m.
