University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Athletics2

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg men's soccer team battled Muskingum for 90 minutes Wednesday at Ridilla Field, but a late second-half goal proved to be the difference as the Bobcats fell, 1-0.

The loss moved Pitt-Greensburg to 4-2-3 on the season, while Muskingum improved to 8-1-1. The two sides played a scoreless opening 45 minutes before the Muskies' Anderson Elliot broke the deadlock in the 77th minute. 

Pitt-Greensburg came out aggressively and generated several quality opportunities in the opening half. Ethan Rose and Caleb Rumberger each put shots on goal in the opening six minutes, forcing Muskingum goalkeeper Noah Emmons into a pair of saves. Jake McClintock added another shot on frame in the 24th minute, while Caden Loveland came close to breaking the scoreless tie when his attempt hit the crossbar in the 28th minute. 

The Bobcats finished the opening half even with Muskingum at six shots apiece and held a 2-1 advantage in corner kicks. Head coach Marc Bucci felt the opening 45 minutes unfolded the way Pitt-Greensburg wanted, but the Bobcats were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

"The first half went as we hoped and if we found the net on our chances, I'm sure we would've had more confidence in the second half," Bucci said. "Muskingum has been difficult to play against all season based off their record so we can keep our heads held high knowing we were in the game for 90 minutes."

Muskingum began to generate more pressure after halftime, recording eight shots in the second half compared with one for Pitt-Greensburg. Bobcat goalkeeper Nick Braun helped keep the game scoreless, making three saves after the break. 

McClintock gave the Bobcats a chance to take the lead with a shot on goal in the 76th minute, but Emmons made the save. Just over a minute later, Muskingum broke through as Elliot scored at 76:45 to put the Muskies ahead, 1-0. 

The physicality of the match increased as the second half progressed, with Pitt-Greensburg whistled for six of its eight fouls after halftime. The Bobcats also received three yellow cards in the second half. "We need to be stronger and not allow the physicality of our opponent to dictate the pace of the game," Bucci said. "We need to continue to play our way and find our success from that."

Braun finished the afternoon with five saves, allowing only the eventual game-winner. McClintock led the Bobcats with two shots, both on goal, while Rose and Rumberger also registered shots on frame. Pitt-Greensburg finished with seven shots, four shots on goal and two corner kicks, while Muskingum totaled 14 shots, six on goal and four corners. 

With non-conference play behind them, the Bobcats will now turn their attention to AMCC play. Pitt-Greensburg opens its conference schedule Saturday when it hosts Pitt-Bradford at 1 p.m.

"We will take the lessons we've learned throughout non-conference play, both good and bad, and apply that to the AMCC games," Bucci said. "Conference play is a brand new season, and we need to get off to a strong start on Saturday."