BOMB!: Panthers’ Coach Pat Narduzzi Delivers a Brutal Statement ahead of Highly-Anticipated Clash….See Details
Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi has stirred the pot with a fiery statement just days before their highly-anticipated matchup against No. 6 Denver on Monday. In a press conference that caught many off guard, Narduzzi declared, “We’re not just going to roll over for anyone. Denver may be ranked, but rankings mean nothing when the lights are on. We’ve prepared for this moment, and I expect my guys to step up.”
Narduzzi’s comments come as the Panthers look to bounce back from a tough loss last week, igniting speculation about his team’s readiness to face a formidable opponent. He emphasized the need for resilience and a “no-back-down” mentality, highlighting that the game is more than just strategy—it’s about heart and determination.
The Panthers have faced criticism this season, but Narduzzi remains unflinching. “This is a statement game for us. We’re playing for pride, and we intend to show the world what Pittsburgh football is all about,” he stated confidently.
As the Panthers gear up for Monday, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Narduzzi’s words will translate into a fierce performance on the field.
Currently coasting the nation’s longest winning streak, the No. 1-ranked Pitt men’s soccer team will square off with No. 6 Denver Monday evening at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the match will be broadcast on the ACC Network.
Need to Know – Game 11
No. 1/3 Pitt (9-1-0, 4-0-0 ACC) vs. No. 6/1 Denver (7-0-4, 2-0-0 Summit)
Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 – 7 PM – ACC Network
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Ambrose Urbanic Field
Fan/Ticket Information
Single-match tickets for the 2024 campaign can be purchased in advance HERE for $10 each. Tickets on match day will be sold at the Petersen Sports Complex ticket office for $12 each. Discounted group sale tickets are available for groups of 15+.
The Opening Kick
2007 Reunion
Jay Vidovich coached Denver head coach Jamie Franks, along with Pitt assistant coach Zack Schilawski during his days at Wake Forest. The trio, along with analyst Michael Lahoud – who is on the call for Monday’s match – won the 2007 national championship.
Against Nationally-Ranked Foes
Pitt is a perfect 3-0 against nationally ranked opponents this season.
Exceeding Expectations
Pitt is in sole possession of first place in the ACC with just four league matches remaining. Coming into the season, the Panthers were picked to finish ninth in the league.
Senior Season Sahmkow
Senior forward Luis Sahmkow has recorded six goals in the last five games, bringing his season total to eight – which ranks seventh nationally. Of note, Sahmkow recorded back-to-back braces against Louisville and Cleveland State earlier this season.
Scouting the Pioneers
- No. 6 Denver has gotten off to a 7-0-4 start this season, including a 2-0 mark in Summit League play.
- Offensively, Denver is led by star midfielder Sam Bassett – who has logged six goals and eight assists this season.
- In goal, keeper Isaac Nehme owns a 0.93 GAA.
- The Pioneers have navigated one of the toughest schedules nationally, opening the season with six-consecutive road matches.
- Of note, Denver earned a 1-0 road victory at No. 2 Stanford.
Series History
- Monday will mark the fourth all-time meeting between Pitt and Denver, as the Panthers currently lead the series, 2-0-1.
- Last season, Pitt earned a 3-1 victory at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Last Time Out
Behind a brace from junior forward Eben McIntyre, Pitt earned a decisive 8-1 victory over Howard Wednesday evening at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Pitt’s eight goals scored Wednesday marked the Panthers’ highest offensive output in the Vidovich era. As a team, Pitt attempted a season-high 34 shots – the third most any Division I team has taken in a single match this season.
Individually, seven Panthers scored, with three (Arnau Vilamitjana, Santiago Ferreira and McIntyre) notching their first goal of the season.
After Wednesday’s performance, Pitt is outscoring its opponents at a 28-6 clip this year through the first 10 matches.
Panthers in the Polls
|
|
United Soccer Coaches |
TopDrawerSoccer |
NCAA RPI |
|
Preseason |
Unranked |
Unranked |
– |
|
Week 1 |
No. 3 |
No. 10 |
– |
|
Week 2 |
No. 8 |
No. 12 |
– |
|
Week 3 |
No. 7 |
No. 6 |
– |
|
Week 4 |
No. 2 |
No. 5 |
– |
|
Week 5 |
No. 1 |
No. 3 |
No. 1 |
|
Week 6 |
No. 1 |
No. 3 |
No. 1 |
Up Next
Pitt will remain home Friday, hosting Cal at 7 p.m. The match can be streamed via ACCNX.
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