SYRACUSE, N.Y. – For the first time in program history, the No. 3-ranked Pitt men’s soccer team are outright Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season champions, despite falling to Syracuse, 2-0, Friday evening at SU Soccer Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y.
Pitt concludes its historic 2024 regular season with a 12-4 ledger, including a 6-2 mark in ACC play. The Panthers’ 18 points secured the title, as they finished two points ahead of runner-up Clemson. The achievement marks Pitt’s first outright ACC regular season crown, as they previously won the ACC Coastal Division title during the 2020 campaign.
By winning the regular season title, Pitt earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and will have a first-round bye.
On Friday against the Orange (7-6-3, 2-4-2 ACC), Pitt faced an early 1-0 deficit after conceding in the sixth minute. The Panthers dominated possession throughout the remainder of the contest but conceded once again at the 70:00 mark.
The Panthers were unable to overcome the 2-0 hole and suffered their first defeat since the Oct. 14 loss to High Point. Of note, Friday marked the first time Pitt relinquished two goals in a match since Sept. 13 against Louisville.
How It Happened
- Pitt dominated possession early, before Syracuse opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
- The Panthers continued to possess the ball and came away with several quality chances over the ensuing 15 minutes of play.
- Arnau Vilamitjana nearly found the equalizer in the 11th minute, but his shot sailed off frame.
- Pitt attempted to play long balls over the top, but Syracuse’s back line held strong.
- The Panthers trailed 1-0 at the halftime break.
- Shortly after halftime, Clemson and Virginia Tech’s match went final, concluding in a 2-2 draw. As a result, Pitt clinched the ACC regular season title outright regardless of its result against the Orange.
- Pitt began to build up the pitch through possession to start the second half; however, the Panthers were unable to break into Syracuse’s final third.
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- The Orange extended its lead at the 70:00 mark.
- Pitt was unable to overcome Syracuse’s momentum and ultimately fell 2-0.
Details of Note
- Casper Svendby made his 50th career start.
- Casper Grening made his 45th career start.
- Niklas Soerensen made his 15th career start.
- Vilamitjana made his 15th start as a Panther.
Up Next
The Panthers have earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament and will have a first-round bye.Source: Pitt Athletics
