Oct. 10, 2009

Box Score

WASHINGTON - It took 107 minutes, but the No. RV/19 Georgetown University men's soccer squad managed to come away with a 1-0 double overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers (1-10-1, 0-6-1 BE) Saturday afternoon at North Kehoe Field. Junior defender Alex Verdi (Ivyland, Pa./Germantown Academy) headed in the game-winner notching his third-career goal as the Hoyas went on to improve to 8-3-1 overall and 5-2 in BIG EAST play.

"I give a lot of credit to Pitt," said Georgetown Head Coach Brian Wiese. "They changed the way they'd played to play against us and it was effective, they caused us some problems. It was the type of game that whoever drew first blood would win and fortunately it was us. It wasn't a pretty goal, but at the end of the day those are three valuable points."

At the opening whistle, it seemed to be Georgetown that was in control however the tide quickly turned as the Panthers went on the attack. Georgetown keeper Mark Wilber (Tijeras, N.M./Albuquerque Academy) came up with two big saves to keep it tied as the Hoyas seemed out of sorts for much of the first half.

At the break, it was Pitt with the momentum taking five corners with two shots on goal, while the Blue & Gray had 10 shots but only two on goal and no corner kicks.

Early in the second the Panthers once again went on the offensive but with 20 minutes remaining the Hoyas finally began to fight back. Georgetown was awarded seven corner kicks in the second half and took as many shots looking dangerous for the first time in the game. Despite the solid looks the Hoyas were off target forcing overtime as the scoreless game continued.

"Pitt took us out of our game early on and we struggled handling a few things, but we looked better when Seth (C'deBaca) and Ibu (Otegbeye) began to get into some good attacking positions," said Wiese. "As always, Jose (Colchao) was able to make something out of nothing and we were able to settle the game."

Georgetown continued to look dangerous throughout the first overtime period but every chance was off target forcing Pitt keeper Keegan Gunderson to save only one shot.

"Today seemed more like a football game, there was very territorial play," said Wiese. "We did well when we were able to keep it in their half of the field."

With time winding down in the second overtime and the game looking like no one would walk a way with three, the patient Hoyas kept taking it to the Panthers. Finally in the 107th minute, it paid off after a foul forty yards out. Seth C'deBaca (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia Prep) knocked the kick into the box as the ball bounced around before Verdi was able to get his head on it resulting in the game-winner as the Hoyas flooded the field.

"This is the second game in a row that we have been patient and not gotten frustrated and it's paid off with another win," said Wiese. "It's a four-horse race in the league and those three points were absolutely crucial for us moving forward."

Georgetown outshot Pitt 22-11 and took 10 corners to its eight. Wilber recorded his fifth shutout of the season and the eighth overall for the squad.

The Hoyas' schedule will not get any easier this week as they welcome the reigning national champs, Maryland, to North Kehoe Field on Tuesday. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and both live stats as well as a webcast will be available on www.GUHoyas.com.

"We're excited about the challenge," said Wiese. "It's an opportunity to play one of the best teams in the country and to take a break from league play. From Cal and UCLA, who are both in the top five, to Maryland on Tuesday, It's great that our fans are able to see top-level soccer here at home."