The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women’s soccer team opened their 2024 campaign on Saturday afternoon, falling to Chatham 4-0 at Rathburn Family Field.
The Panthers struggled to hold possession in the opposition end but were able to hold the Cougars to 11 shots on goal, as they forced numerous efforts off target. The Panthers fell behind on a tough luck on goal in the 11th minute, as they failed to clear a corner kick off the line and deflected the cross into the goal. The deficit doubled nine minutes later. Chatham was able to beat an offsides trap, sending a runner behind the Panther line with a through ball.
After the perfectly timed run, the Cougars were able to collect the ball, and dribble around goalkeeper Mackenzie Harmon who came off her line to defend the pass and send a shot into the open net.
After another nine minutes, the Panthers allowed a third hard-luck goal. after another through ball, Harmon was able to make a strong tackle just outside her 18, but the ball deflected to a Chatham attacker who collected the loose ball and sent it into the open net. The Cougars added one final goal in the last minute of the half.
Chatham attacked the Panthers down the left wing and was able to beat the Pitt-Bradford defender on the end line. She sent a low cross into the box where another Cougar used a one-time finish for the fourth goal.
Maddison Coe replaced Harmon at the break and made two big saves to keep the deficit at four throughout the second half. The Panthers were able to carve out a few chances in the offensive end, but could not manage a shot. Midway through the half, Mya King took possession of the ball on the left wing, and made a long dribbling run through the defense, she eventually cut inside, maintaining possession, but couldn’t find enough space for a shot and eventually lost the ball, ending the chance. In the final 10 minutes, King was able to send a long ball down the right wing, where Emily Gibbons beat the outside back to the ball, she was able to send a cross into the box, but no Panther was able to get to the cross, as it bounced through the box and out for a goal kick.
Mackenzie Harmon started in goal for the Panthers and was saddled with the loss. She made 3 saves in the half. Maddison Coe played the final 45, keeping the Cougars off the board while making two saves. The Panthers could not muster any shots in the game. Makartnee Mortimer and Kimberly Goodwin were mainstays for the Panthers, playing all 90 minutes on the back line.
Pitt-Bradford is 0-1 after the opening loss. They will return to action next Friday, September 6th when they travel to Bard College for another non-conference tilt. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
