Miami Blanks RV/No. 8 Pitt, Earns 0-0 Draw
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami soccer team (4-6-4) earned a clean sheet against RV/No.8 Pittsburgh (9-3-3) Thursday evening, as they secured an impressive 0-0 draw against the Panthers.
“I am proud of the performance and our willingness to put together a complete 90 minutes,” said Head Coach Ken Masuhr. “Our fans made it an incredible night for our soccer program and it was wonderful to hear them celebrate each of our players that are playing in their final season of college soccer. I was especially pleased to see us hold another team to zero shots on target. Credit to Claireese Foley who earned another ACC shutout in goal.”
Pitt entered Thursday night’s match as the third-highest scoring team in the ACC, and the Panthers had only been shutout three times all season.
The Hurricanes placed five shots on frame, while limiting Pitt to zero shots on target, as Miami created far more quality offensive opportunities than the Panthers.
The two teams started off the match with similar intensity, as they went back-and-forth over the majority of the first period.
The Canes had their first prime opportunity in the 13th minute, as a loose ball found the foot of Gisselle Kozarski who proceeded to rip a shot from nearly 10 yards outside of the box. Kozarski’s shot sailed towards the upper left third of the frame, forcing Pitt’s goalkeeper to make a stellar save.
Neither team was able to create great chances over the remainder of the half, and the Canes defense played phenomenally, completely shutting down the Panthers offense.
The two squads entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Miami came out of the break and significantly elevated their intensity and their offensive pressure. The Canes quickly began to create opportunity after opportunity, while placing tremendous pressure on the Panthers’ back line and goalkeeper.
Miami nearly broke through with a goal numerous times, particularly over the final 25 minutes; however, the Canes were unable to convert.
Miami went on to earn the clean sheet against Pitt and pick up an impressive draw against another quality ACC team.
The Canes will hit the road for their next two matches, as they will face Syracuse next Thursday at 7 p.m., before taking on Boston College on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m.
