Bradford, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team will host its first postseason game since 2011 after it secured the 4th seed in the AMCC tournament with a 3-2 win at Pitt-Greensburg.
The Panthers got off to an extremely quick start, as Chase Rider was able to open the scoring just four minutes in. Jan Winnewisser played a pass down the wing for Rider, which the senior was able to collect at full speed. Rider took a touch to beat a defender and then slid a shot into the far corner to put the Panthers up 1-0. The Panthers doubled their advantage in the 23rd. Winnewisser played another threatening ball, this time from the right-wing into the six-yard box. As the ball arrived in the box, the Bobcat goalkeeper had a miscommunication with a defender and was unable to handle the ball. Brent Kennedy took advantage of the opportunity, and quickly took a one-time shot on the loose ball, putting it into the open net and giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
The Panthers seemed to maintain control until the 65th minute when a push in the box gave the hosts a spot-kick. The Bobcats were able to convert the penalty and used the momentum to tie the game at 2 just 50 seconds later. After the kickoff, Pitt-Greensburg quickly took control of the ball and attacked the Panther goal. They earned a corner kick and the Panthers were unable to clear the resulting set-piece. The hosts took advantage of this and bundled a deflection home in a crowd to even the match at two. The Panthers settled after the burst and regained possession. Spencer Sklar headed a shot on net, but in the 71st, the Panthers were able to draw a foul in the box and get a penalty shot of their own. Rider stepped up after the foul and slid a shot into the goal to restore the Panther advantage. Following the go-ahead goal, the Bobcats pressed forward to try and tie the game but were successfully held off, as the Panthers did not allow a shot on net in the last 20 minutes.
Rider's two goals give him 22 on the season, which is tied for the best total in the AMCC. Kennedy's strike was his 3rd of the year. Sihle Sizani made 2 saves in the Panther victory.
The Panthers finish their regular season with a 7-7-1 record overall and a 5-3 record in AMCC play. They have secured the 4th seed in the AMCC Tournament. They will host a first-round playoff game next weekend. An official date and opponent have not yet been decided.
