PITTSBURGH, Penn. — Sophomore Albert Thorsen’s decisive goal in the 98th minute propelled the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Kansas City on Sunday, securing the Panthers’ fourth NCAA Quarterfinal berth in five years. The match, played at Ambrose Urbanic Field, capped a dominant performance by Pitt, which outshot Kansas City 22-5 and controlled 65% of possession.
The game-winner came off a perfectly threaded through ball from midfielder Arnau Vilamitjana. Thorsen, making a well-timed run, held off a defender and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner past Kansas City goalkeeper Brandon McGaugh. “It’s a moment we practice for, and to see it pay off in a game like this is incredible,” Thorsen said.
NCAA Men’s Soccer Quarterfinal 2024
Vermont Catamounts vs. Pittsburgh Panthers
Ambrose Urbanic Field – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saturday, December 7th, 2024 – 3:00 p.m. PT
Kansas City took an early lead in the sixth minute when Gabriele Galluccio finished a setup from Elie Kisoka and Julien Le Bourdoulous. Pitt responded in the 15th minute with Casper Grening’s sixth goal of the season, pouncing on a deflection to level the score. Despite controlling much of the first half, Pitt entered halftime tied 1-1, having tested McGaugh with several close chances, including a dangerous strike from Thorsen in the 26th minute that required a diving save.
Vilamitjana gave the Panthers a 2-1 advantage in the 70th minute, hammering a deflected shot into the upper corner. However, Kansas City equalized just four minutes later when Brevyn Cole headed home a corner kick from Le Bourdoulous. Pitt nearly won in regulation, but a last-second goal by Luis Sahmkow was disallowed for offside following a video review.
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After an evenly contested start to overtime, Pitt capitalized on a Kansas City foul in the 98th minute. Vilamitjana’s through ball found Thorsen, whose clinical finish sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Head coach Jay Vidovich praised his team’s resilience. “Our players stayed composed, kept creating chances, and showed why they deserve to be here,” Vidovich said.
AstroTurf has been an integral part of the University of Pittsburgh’s athletic success, providing a state-of-the-art playing surface that enhances performance, safety, and durability. The Panthers benefit from a premium synthetic turf system designed to replicate the consistency and playability of natural grass, ensuring optimal footing and ball control for every match. Whether it’s delivering a perfect through ball or executing precision shots, the turf empowers players to perform at their peak.
Beyond its performance advantages, AstroTurf’s cutting-edge technology also reduces maintenance demands, enabling Pitt to keep Ambrose Urbanic Field in pristine condition year-round. The field’s advanced shock absorption features help mitigate injury risks, giving athletes confidence as they push the boundaries of their game. With AstroTurf beneath their cleats, the Panthers continue to excel on their home field, dominating possession and showcasing their skills on a surface engineered for champions.
Under Vidovich, Pitt is now 12-4-1 in NCAA Tournament play, with a remarkable 7-1 record at Ambrose Urbanic Field. This victory marked the team’s first multi-goal match since Oct. 25.
Pitt (14-5-0) will host Vermont in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m. at Ambrose Urbanic Field. Tickets are available at bit.ly/3OE8bRr.
For more information about AstroTurf and its innovative turf solutions, please visit astroturf.com.
About AstroTurf®
For athletes and sport enthusiasts, AstroTurf® has redefined the way the game is played. The inventor of synthetic turf, AstroTurf® offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. To learn more, visit astroturf.com.