Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team opened its home schedule on Tuesday afternoon as they took on the Nazareth Golden Flyers at the Kessel Athletic Complex. The Panthers worked hard defensively to get to the break trailing by a goal but were unable to hold off the Nazareth attack in the 2nd half, ultimately falling 5-0.
The Panthers spent much of the beginning of the game in their defensive, half, as they worked to hold off a potent Nazareth attack early. They defended well, limiting the Golden Flyers to just one shot on goal in the opening 25 minutes, all while defending 6 early corners. In the 18th minute, Spencer Sklar was able to foray into the offensive third, and find enough room for a shot, but saw his effort stopped by the Nazareth keeper. The Nazareth attack finally found its way past Trevor Clark in the Panther goal in the 27th minute from the penalty spot. The Panthers did not fold after the goal, however, as they were able to equal their opponent's shot total over the final 13 minutes of the half. In the span, Sklar put another effort towards goal, while Rodney Clark forced a second save from the keeper.
As the second half began, Sklar was able to win a corner kick off of a blocked shot for the Panthers, but after Pitt-Bradford was unable to convert the chance, Nazareth was able to double their lead on a sharp counter-attack with precise passing in the box. Nazareth added their third goal in the 62nd minute after a pair of acrobatic saves by Clark. The second of the parries resulted in a corner kick. The Panthers were unable to clear the ball off of the corner, and in the scrum handled the ball in the box, giving the Golden Flyers their second penalty of the match. Nazareth went on to add goals in the 68th and 78th minutes, as the Panthers began to attack more and the game opened up. Lysandre Chaabi had the best opportunity for the Panthers in the 80th minute. He cut back towards the box from the left wing and curled a shot towards the far corner that just missed the target and went out for a goal kick.
Spencer Sklar led the Panther attack with 5 shots, putting two on net. Rodney Clark and Lysandre Chaabi each tallied a pair of shots. Devin Stowe was able to put a long effort on frame but saw it stopped by the keeper. Trevor Clark made 3 saves in the game, while also making multiple stops cutting off attacks before a shot could be attempted.
The loss drops Pitt-Bradford to 1-4 on the season. They will be back in action on Thursday, as they will travel to Westminster to make up a game originally scheduled for Sunday, September 4th. The game is slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. at the UPMC Sports Complex in New Wilmington, Pa.
