Syracuse Women’s Soccer Struggles On Offense, Falls to Pitt 2-0
By Trey Redfield
CitrusTV’s Women’s Soccer Beat Reporter
PITTSBURGH – It was not the start Syracuse (0-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) was looking for on Thursday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field as they fell to Pittsburgh (3-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) 2-0. From the first to the final whistle, Pitt was in control of the ‘Cuse.
The Panthers outshot the Orange in the first half 14-3, which included some big missed opportunities for the home squad. With 16 minutes left in the first half, Sophomore Forward Leah Pais shot wide of the post from just outside the 18-yard box. The first half woes did not stop there for SU. Nine minutes later, Pitt almost connected on a free kick that ricocheted off the woodwork and deflected off Orange goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx.
The best opportunity for SU came from Freshman Forward Hannah Pilley off a free kick with 36 minutes left in the match, as she sent a header off the crossbar. After that, it was all Pitt. Off an Amanda West shot, Freshman Midfielder Emily Yaple knocked in the rebound for the Panthers with 33 minutes left in the second half. West would get one of her own off of a penalty kick, 19 minutes later. Her third goal of the year was the one that ultimately finished off the Orange, as Pitt easily outshot SU 27-4. Out of SU’s chances, only one of them was on target, coming off the foot of Redshirt Junior Midfielder Kate Hostage.
Even though she let in two goals on the night, this game would have been even more out of reach for the Orange if it weren’t for goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx. The senior from Montreal saved ten shots, with eight of them coming in the second half.
Win, lose, or draw, Orange head coach Nicky Adams was just glad to be back.
“It was an unfortunate result, but it felt so good to be back on the field tonight,” said Nicky Adams. “I thought we had some first game jitters, especially with so many newcomers.”
Coach Adams and company will have plenty of time to regroup, as the Orange will take the pitch once again on Thursday, October 1 in Louisville. The last time these two met was 2019, when the Cardinals hammered the Orange at SU Soccer Stadium. 3-0. Kick-off is set for 7:00.
dwredfie@syr.edu | @Trey_Redfield
