The Pitt-Bradford men’s and women’s soccer teams each opened their season Thursday night, each suffering their first loss.
Despite opening the scoring, the Panthers men’s team was unable to hold off Alfred State, as they lost the contest 4-2.
The Panthers started the game under immense pressure as the Saxons forced goalkeeper Trevor Clark into 6 saves in the first 15 minutes. The Panthers were able to break the pressure in the 21st minute when Spencer Sklar was able to score on the Panthers’ first shot on goal of the season to put Pitt-Bradford ahead 1-0. The hosts answered with 2 goals of their own, including one from the penalty spot to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
Alfred added a 3rd goal to start the 2nd half, before the Panthers cut the deficit in half on an Austin Hogan goal following a corner kick. The Panthers were unable to complete the comeback, as Alfred added a 4th goal in the 76th minute and kept the Panthers off the board to finish the game.
Spencer Sklar opened the Panthers’ season account, scoring his 14th career goal. He paced Pitt-Bradford with 4 shot attempts, putting 2 on target. Austin Hogan scored the second goal of his career as Devin Stowe picked up the assist, his second career helper. Trevor Clark made 10 saves in his Panther debut.
The UPB women fell to Buffalo State, 8-1.
The Panthers fell behind early, as Buffalo State took a quick 3-0 lead. Pitt-Bradford was able to pull one back in the 39th minute as Riley Stowe gained possession near the midfield and dribbled past the defensive line.
She held off the Buffalo State defense and was taken down in the box, resulting in a penalty. Her sister Delaney stepped up and deposited her shot into the corner of the net to cut the lead to 2. The Panthers were unable to maintain the momentum, however, as Buffalo State was able to score with just seconds left in the half to restore their 3-goal lead.
After the break, Wood and the Panthers were able to hold the deficit at 4-1 for the first half hour of play before the Bengals tacked on in the 77th minute. The goal opened up the flood gates for the Panthers as the Bengals were able to add 3 more late goals against a fatigued Panther defense.
Riley Stowe scored the lone Panther goal of the game, her 4th career tally. Delaynie Moore also registered a shot on goal and Alannah Allen hit the woodwork. Sadie Wood made 13 saves in the game.
