The Pitt-Greensburg men's soccer team battled Penn State Behrend in a tightly contested Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) matchup Tuesday afternoon at Ridilla Field, but an early goal proved to be the difference as the Bobcats fell 1-0.
With the loss, Pitt-Greensburg moves to 9-5-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play, while Penn State Behrend improves to 9-1-7 overall and 5-1-1 in the AMCC.
The Lions struck early, finding the back of the net in the sixth minute when Andrew Lucas scored off an assist from Evan Thomas at the 5:28 mark to give Behrend a 1-0 advantage.
Pitt-Greensburg looked to respond in the 13th minute when Matt Armenio registered the Bobcats' first shot of the afternoon, but his attempt sailed wide of the right post. The Bobcats' defense settled in following the early goal, limiting Behrend to just three first-half shots as the teams entered halftime separated by a single goal.
The Bobcats came out of the break looking for the equalizer, earning their first corner kick in the 50th minute. Caleb Rumberger followed with a shot in the 52nd minute, but his attempt went wide.
Behrend increased its offensive pressure throughout the second half, but Pitt-Greensburg goalkeeper Nick Braun kept the Bobcats within striking distance. Braun made three second-half saves, including a stop on Owen Petersen in the 60th minute, to preserve the one-goal deficit.
Pitt-Greensburg's best opportunity came in the 62nd minute when Cooper Robson put a shot on frame, forcing Behrend goalkeeper Connor Cross to make a save. Despite the Bobcats' efforts to find the equalizer, the Lions held on for the 1-0 victory.
Braun finished with four saves in a complete 90-minute performance for Pitt-Greensburg. Armenio, Rumberger and Robson each recorded a shot, with Robson registering the Bobcats' lone shot on goal.
Behrend held a 9-3 advantage in shots and an 11-1 edge in corner kicks, but the Pitt-Greensburg defense kept the contest within one goal for the final 84 minutes.
The Bobcats will now turn their attention to postseason play as they prepare to host the first round of the AMCC Tournament on Saturday, October 31, at Ridilla Field. Pitt-Greensburg's opponent and game time will be announced at a later date.
