Panthers Move Up To No. 2 In Latest United Soccer Coaches Poll
PITTSBURGH – The Pitt men’s soccer team (2-0-0) moved up five spots to No. 2 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll, as announced by the organization Tuesday evening.
Pitt has now earned a ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll in 34 straight weeks including being ranked in the top-10 in 29 of those weeks. The Panthers have also spent eight weeks as the No. 1 team in the nation since the poll began in 1996.
The Panthers opened up their 2022 campaign with back-to-back victories over top-10 opponents as they knocked off No. 2 Georgetown and No. 6 West Virginia. It marked the first time in program history the Panthers have opened the season with two straight wins over nationally ranked opponents.
Pitt secured a season-opening victory at home Thursday night as they downed then No. 2 Georgetown 2-1 behind goals by Bertin Jacquesson and Valentin Noel. Jacquesson finished with a goal and assist while Lucas Rosa also added an assist in the win for Pitt.
On Monday night, the Panthers improved to 2-0 as they collected a dominant 3-0 victory over No. 6 West Virginia in the 51st edition of the Backyard Brawl game. The Panthers netted three first half goals to secure the victory as Noel, Rosa and Jacquesson all found the back of the net while goalkeeper Joe van der Sar made five saves in his first career clean sheet.
No. 2 Pitt returns to the field Friday, Sept. 2 as they head to Huntington, WV to take on No. 11 Marshall at Hoops Family Field. First kick is set for 7:15 pm and the match will air live on ESPN+.