Bulls Capture Season Opening Victory Over Pittsburgh 1-0

Mihal's 30-yard blast lifts Bulls over Panthers

MORGANTOWN, VA – The University at Buffalo men's soccer team opened the 2009 season with a 1-0 victory over the University of Pittsburgh in the first contest of the West Virginia University/Nike Classic. In the 18th minute, senior Alex Mihal ripped a 30-yard shot from the far left side putting it in the upper 90 past the Panthers' goalie to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead and the eventual victory.

Alex Mihal

Three newcomers started in their first contest with the Bulls including freshmen defender Akil Howard (Queens, NY/Shattuck-St. Mary's) and junior transfers Michael Unwin (Basingstoke, England/North Iowa CC) and Casey Derkacz (Hamburg, NY/Penn State).

Receiving his first career start, Nick Fetterman made two saves in 90 minutes of action resulting in his first collegiate victory.

Nick Fetterman

The Bulls and Panthers finished even with 11 shots each. The difference came in the shots on goal with the Bulls holding a 5-2 advantage. Unwin and Mihal tied for the team lead in shots with two each.

"We looked like a typical team coming out of the gate with newer players. Although I am certainly happy with the result, we were not firing on all cylinders tonight. At times we played well and not so much at other times. This one is in the books and we will move on to West Virginia on Sunday," said coach John Astudillo.

Following a day off on Saturday, the Bulls (1-0, 0-0 MAC) will return to action when they face host West Virginia on Sunday at 4 pm to conclude the Classic.