Cards Fall on the Road to Pitt, 3-1

Saturday, September 14

Pittsburgh, PA

7 PM

University of Louisville

Pitt

Karsyn Cherry takes the ball upfield during the game vs UT Martin on September 5 at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium.

Photo by: Annabelle Merz | Louisville Athletics

September 14, 2024 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Karsyn Cherry scored her team-best sixth goal in the first half

By: Matt Paras

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Louisville women's soccer team battled in its road contest but ultimately fell to Pittsburgh, 3-1, at Ambrose Urbanic Field Saturday night. The Cards (5-2-2, 0-1-0 ACC) and Panthers (7-1-1, 1-0-0 ACC) were level at the half but the Panthers broke through for two second half goals to secure the win.

Pitt got on the board first with a goal in the 12th minute. The Panthers had a cross into the box and the ball was dumped off from the top of the box to Keera Melenhorst. She sent a shot inside the left post that Kailey Kimball got a hand on but was able to get to the back of the net for the Panthers goal.

The lead did not last long as the Cardinals responded in the 21st minute. Brooke Dardano took a shot on frame from a free kick and it deflected off the crossbar back into the middle of the box. After the loose ball was eventually sent away by the Panthers defender, the Cards called for a review for a potential handball.

The review concluded the ball hit an arm of a Panthers defender and a penalty kick was awarded. Karsyn Cherry stood over the ball and calmly beat the goalie to the opposite side of the net for the equalizer. It was Cherry's team-leading sixth goal of the season and tied the match up at 1-1. She continues to lead the NCAA and ACC among defenders in goals this season

That would be the score heading into the half as neither team was able to take the lead. Kimball made some key saves in the first half to keep the score tied. Kimball had five saves over the first 45 minutes of action.

In the second half, Kimball continued to stand tall and kept the Cards in the match. She made a point-blank save in the 63rd minute after Samiah Phiri got behind the Louisville defense.

Pitt would jump back in front in the 73rd minute after it was Phiri who capitalized on a turnover to regain the lead for the Panthers. Pitt added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute as Phiri scored on the penalty kick after a handball in the box.

Kimball still played well in defeat as she finished with nine saves on the night. It is the most saves by a Louisville keeper this season and one shy of her career high.

The Cardinals will have an extended break before they are back on the field again. Louisville's next game is not until September 26, when they head on the road to take on Virginia Tech.