SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse women's soccer team scored twice in the second half to defeat Pittsburgh, 2-0, on Thursday, Oct. 4 at the SU Soccer Stadium. The victory extends the Orange's winning streak to four and improves its record to 8-4-2 overall, 5-1-1 in the BIG EAST.
With three games still remaining in the regular season, Syracuse has surpassed its win total from a year ago. The last time SU recorded eight wins in a season was 2004.
The Orange was the more dangerous team and dominated possession throughout the game. SU outshot the Panthers (5-10-1, 0-6-1) 14-3 in the first half, but could not convert on its scoring chances. Syracuse's best opportunity came in the 21st minute when freshman Jackie Firenze (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) hit the post with her shot. The ball ricocheted to senior Jenna Rickan (Buffalo, N.Y.), who put a shot on goal but it was stopped by a Pittsburgh defender.
Syracuse broke through in the 76th minute. Senior Rosina Callisto (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) crossed the ball, which was deflected by a Panthers defender to freshman Erin Simon (Oakhurst, N.J.). Simon put her shot in the back of the goal to give SU a 1-0 advantage.
The Orange added an insurance tally in the 85th minute. Senior Alyscha Mottershead (Brampton, Ontario) headed the ball off a Panthers' goal kick to Rickan, who flicked it forward to Firenze. Pitt goalkeeper Nicole D'Agostino came out to play the ball, but Firenze got to it first. She lofted a shot over D'Agostino's head and into the net for her fourth goal of the year. Rickan recorded her ninth career assist on the play to move into a tie for 10th place with Stacy Shanning (1996-98) on Syracuse's career leader list.
Orange goalkeeper Brittany Anghel (East Meadow, N.Y.) needed to make just one save to record her fourth shutout of the season and 17th of her career. She needs three more shutouts to tie Eliza Bennett-Hattan (2006-09) for the top spot on SU's career ledger.
Syracuse outshot Pittsburgh, 22-5, and had 10 corner kicks. D'Agostino recorded three saves for the Panthers.
The Orange goes on the road for a pair of games next weekend for its final road trip of the regular season. Syracuse plays at USF on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
