The Pitt-Greensburg women's soccer team scored twice in a span of 28 seconds late in the second half to erase a one-goal deficit and secure a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Penn State Altoona on Wednesday afternoon at Ridilla Field.
With the victory, the Bobcats improved to 10-4 overall and remained unbeaten in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play at 5-0. Penn State Altoona fell to 6-7 overall and 3-2 in conference action.
Despite controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the first half, Pitt-Greensburg was unable to break through. The Bobcats outshot the Lions 10-2 in the opening 45 minutes and held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks, but the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Bella Carroto nearly put the Bobcats ahead in the 30th minute, but her shot struck the crossbar. Riley Gesinski also put a shot on target late in the half, but Altoona goalkeeper Mya Torres made the save to keep the game tied.
The Lions wasted little time taking the lead after halftime, as Natalie Danner found the back of the net just 1:26 into the second half to give Penn State Altoona a 1-0 advantage.
Pitt-Greensburg continued to apply pressure, generating several scoring chances as it searched for the equalizer. Carroto, Mersadi McClain and Emma Reyes each forced saves from Torres before the Bobcats finally broke through in the 76th minute.
At the 75:11 mark, Gesinski scored off an assist from Dionna Santia to even the score at 1-1. Just 28 seconds later, Ella Smith found the back of the net to give Pitt-Greensburg its first lead of the afternoon, 2-1.
The Bobcats continued to control the action over the final 14 minutes, limiting Altoona's opportunities while protecting their one-goal advantage to secure the conference victory.
Pitt-Greensburg finished with a commanding 22-5 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. The Bobcats also earned 14 corner kicks compared to just one for the Lions.
Smith led the offensive attack with six shots, including two on goal and the game-winning tally. Carroto added five shots, while Reyes recorded four. Gesinski finished with three shots, all on goal, and the game-tying score. McClain also contributed three shots, placing two on target.
In goal, Kira Howcroft played all 90 minutes for the Bobcats, making three saves to earn the victory.
The win marked Pitt-Greensburg's 10th victory of the season and kept the Bobcats perfect through five AMCC contests.
Pitt-Greensburg will look to remain unbeaten in AMCC play when the Bobcats travel to La Roche University on Saturday, October 24, for another conference matchup against the Redhawks.
