Pitt
2-0-0, 0-0-0
Michigan State
1-1-0, 0-0-0
First Half Avalanche Helps No. 7 Pitt Hold Off Michigan State, 3-2
8/25/2025 11:28:00 PM | Men's Soccer
PITTSBURGH – Behind a brace from graduate midfielder Arnau Vilamitjana, the No. 7-ranked Pitt men's soccer team held off Big Ten foe Michigan State, 3-2, Monday evening at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
The victory marked Pitt's (2-0-0, 0-0-0 ACC) first-ever win over Michigan State (1-1-0, 0-0-0 Big Ten), while marking the Panthers' second consecutive season starting 2-0.
Pitt jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the third minute as junior forward Anders Bordoy sent a corner into the box – which Vilamitjana headed home for his first goal of the 2025 campaign.
Just over two minutes later, junior midfielder Santiago Ferreira attempted a corner, opposite of Bordoy's, that bent towards the far post. Vilamitjana battled for position, before heading home his second of the contest for his second career brace.
Of note, Vilamitjana's goals took place only two minutes and six seconds apart, setting a program record for fastest consecutive goals by an individual player.
Pitt's offensive onslaught continued in the eighth minute when sophomore defender Niklas Soerensen played a ball over the top to redshirt junior forward/midfielder Marco Silva. Silva made a well-timed run, before firing a strike past the keeper, extending the Panthers' lead (3-0).
Michigan State narrowed the deficit in the 19th minute on a penalty kick after a Spartan forward was taken down in the box. The Spartans then pulled within one by way of an 80th minute goal.
Pitt held on defensively down the stretch behind a pair of saves from junior keeper Jack Moxom to secure the 3-2 victory.
Match Notes
- Vilamitjana recorded his second career brace.
- Ferreira notched a point for the second consecutive match.
- Silva recorded his first goal as a Panther.
- Bordoy tallied his first assist as a Panther.
Up Next
Pitt will now begin a two match road swing, traveling to No. 25 Georgetown and No. 9 Clemson.
Team Stats
Arnau Vilamitjana (2)
Assisted By: Anders Bordoy
GOAL by PIT Vilamitjana, Arnau Assist by Bordoy, Anders.
02:24
Arnau Vilamitjana (2)
Assisted By: Santiago Ferreira
GOAL by PIT Vilamitjana, Arnau Assist by Ferreira, Santiago.
04:30
Marco Silva (1)
Assisted By: Niklas Sørensen
GOAL by PIT Silva, Marco Assist by Sørensen, Niklas.
07:16
Miles Merritt
MSU Miles Merritt PENALTY KICK GOAL.
18:13
Brandon Munson (1)
Assisted By: Miles Merritt
GOAL by MSU Munson, Brandon Assist by Merritt, Miles.
79:58
