Panthers Battle Back from Early Deficit, Fall 2-1 on Late Syracuse Goal

Thursday, September 24

Syracuse, N.Y.

7 PM

Pitt

6-4-1, 0-3-0

Syracuse

4-5-2, 1-3-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Pittsburgh	0	1	1
Syracuse	1	1	2

Panthers Battle Back from Early Deficit, Fall 2-1 on Late Syracuse Goal

9/24/2026 9:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Pitt women's soccer team fell to Syracuse on the road Thursday evening, 2-1. Despite the Panthers outshooting the Orange 26-15, Syracuse netted the game-winning goal in the 88^th minute to score its first ACC points of the season.

Desiree Reed scored her first career goal for the Panthers in the 68^th minute.

Syracuse (4-5-2, 1-3 ACC) had an early attacking mindset pressuring the Pitt backline from the opening whistle. The Orange looked like they had scored the opening goal in the second minute, but the score was waved off as Syracuse was ruled offsides.

Syracuse did get on the board first in the fourth minute. An initial shot from the Orange was saved by Elli Johnson, but the rebound found the foot of Abby Incorvais who gave the Orange a 1-0 early lead.

Pitt (6-4-1, 0-3 ACC) tried to find the equalizer in the opening half, outshooting Syracuse 13-8 in the first 45 minutes. Despite dangerous chances, including four shots in a two-minute span the Panther couldn't get on the board in the opening half. Syracuse owned a 1-0 lead after 45 minutes of action.

The Panthers continued their offensive momentum to open the second half, taking two shots in the first four minutes of action after the intermission.

Pitt was finally found the equalizer int eh 68^th minute as Reed capitalized on a set piece opportunity. Claire Jones sent a corner kick into the box which ricocheted out to Reed outside the 18-yard box. Reed sent a high-flying shot just under the cross bar and over the Syracuse keeper's hands to knot the game at one.

The Panthers continued to put pressure on the Orange defense ripping off multiple shots but not finding the go-ahead goal.

The Orange's game winner came with two minutes remaining in regulation. Syracuse drew a free kick just in front of its bench area. The ball was played into the 18-yard box and found a streak Orange forward at the far post who slotted the ball past Johnson on the goal line.

The 'Cuse keeper made eight saves on nine shots on goal from the Panthers, while Johnson matched her career-high with four stops in the match.

Up Next

The Panthers return home Sunday as they host Duke. Pitt welcomes its alumni back to Ambrose Urbanic Field for the match during homecoming weekend on campus.