Pitt men's soccer advances to NCAA Elite 8 with shutout win over Hofstra

The Pitt men’s soccer team is back in the NCAA quarterfinals after blanking Hofstra, 4-0, in a Sweet Sixteen game Saturday evening at snowy Ambrose Urbanic Field in Oakland.

The fifth-seeded Panthers (13-5-1) got two goals from junior Raphael Crivello and additional goals from sophomores Filip Mirkovic and Bertin Jacquesson.

Senior Alexander Dexter, junior Valentin Noel, freshman Guilherme Feitosa and Mirkovic had assists. Keeper Nico Campuzano made one save to secure his 12th career shutout.

Hofstra finished its season 18-2-2.

“We are very excited with the result and moving forward,” Pitt coach Jay Vidovich said. “It was a really good performance by my guys, and we were able to manage the game well. We were fortunate to escape a couple of good efforts from Hofstra, who as we know is a very dangerous team. Very pleased with the performance by the guys.”

Pitt will take on the winner of Notre Dame and Wake Forest in the Elite Eight next Friday or Saturday at a time and site to be determined. The Fighting Irish and Demon Deacons play at 5 p.m. Sunday. If Notre Dame wins, Pitt will play in South Bend, Ind. The Panthers will host the game if Wake Forest wins.

Pitt reached the NCAA semifinals College Cup last season before falling to Indiana.

AN ???????????????????? VICTORY!!!!

Pitt defeats Hofstra, 4-0, and moves on to the Elite 8 for the second consecutive season!#H2P pic.twitter.com/Lresg8uNMq

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) November 27, 2021

Who doesn't like a snow day?! ❄️????️#H2P pic.twitter.com/A6qh1S3s5w

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) November 28, 2021

Feelin' Elite ????#H2P pic.twitter.com/5BztQf70D2

— Pitt Men's Soccer (@Pitt_MSOC) November 28, 2021