YOUNGWOOD, PA – For the second consecutive Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference season, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg women's soccer team is championship bound. The second seeded Bobcats advanced by way of a 2-0 victory over third seeded Mount Aloysius College, today in the AMCC semifinals at Westmoreland County Community College.
Pitt-Greensburg (16-2) used two early goals in the opening 12 minutes of play and another stellar defensive performance to get the playoff win.
Ashley Lucas opened the scoring in the third minute off a beautifully developed play with a one-timer to the back of the net off an assist pass from Tiffany Michalek. Becca Kubler got the play going when she fielded a pass at mid-field and then dropped in a perfect ball to Michalek racing down the right side of the field past the Mountie defense. Michalek kicked Kubler's pass in stride to Lucas, who one-timed it from five yards out, past the late to recover Mount Aloysius goalkeeper.
Lucas returned the favor to Michalek in the 12th minute, giving Pitt-Greensburg a 2-0. Michalek stole the ball from the Mount Aloysius defender and then ran a give and go style action with Lucas, who set her up to fire in her 22nd goal of the season to the top right of the goal.
The Bobcat defense did not allow a shot on goal all game, and only let the Mounties get off six shot attempts. On the back line, Pitt-Greensburg stood strong only allowing one corner kick.
The ball was in Pitt-Greensburg's control for the vast majority of the contest. The Blue and Gold tallied 10 corner kick attempts and 20 shots, while putting eight on net. Seven Bobcats had shot attempts on the afternoon, led by Michalek and Lucas who had seven apiece.
It was physical playoff soccer on both sides of the ball, as 19 fouls were recorded and one yellow card, which came on Mount Aloysius.
Lauren Yoder recorded her seventh shutout of the season. While not facing any shots on goal, Yoder intercepted multiple crosses which prevented scoring opportunities for the Mounties.
Pitt-Greensburg will now take on Penn State Behrend for the gold on Saturday, in a rematch of the 2019 AMCC Championship. Kickoff for the title match is slated for 2 pm at Penn State Behrend.
Fans can follow the Bobcats all year long online at PittGreensburgAthletics.com, as well as on Twitter (@upgbobcats), Instagram (@UPG_athletics), and Facebook (@UPGbobcats).
