Box Score | Season Stats

PITTSBURGH – After neither side managed a first half goal, the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team (4-1-1) netted three goals in the second frame to defeat La Salle (1-2-2), 3-1, on Sunday at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

With the win, Pitt swept its home-opening weekend after knocking off Villanova, 2-0, on Friday.

“There’s no question we’ve been getting better,” said head coach Greg Miller. “We told the team that. Through training, games, and video we’ve tweaked some things and the kids have really bought in. Having a weekend like this really validates everything that we’re doing. This was a huge weekend for us.”

Five freshmen have now scored goals for the Panthers this season en route to the team outscoring its foes by a mark of 13-3.

Freshman Juliana Vazquez put Pitt on the board with her first career goal in the 50^th minute. Senior Roosa Arvas received sophomore Taylor Pryce’s service, which she directed to Vazquez via header – who finished.

Not more than two minutes later, freshman Sarah Krause made it 2-0 on her first career goal. Pryce got in on the action once again, this time finding Krause from long range on what would be a well-developed scoring effort as Krause hammered it past the keeper’s right.

La Salle seemed to threaten in the 67^th minute with a goal to cut the lead to one, but junior captain Siobhan McDonough erased the score with one of her own a minute and half later. The attacking defender received the ball about 15 yards out, finishing far post.

Junior goalkeeper Taylor Francis continued her strong play, grabbing seven saves despite allowing the lone goal. The Cary, N.C., native has allowed just three goals in 567:40 of play, giving her a .48 goals against average.

Pitt returns to action on Thursday at 6 p.m. when it takes on Liberty at Ambrose Urbanic Field. World Cup champion Meghan Klingenberg will be in attendance to meet fans as the featured guest.