Pitt men's soccer rises to No. 1 in nation

When Pitt’s men’s soccer team travels to Blacksburg, Va., on Friday to meet Virginia Tech, it will carry a designation as the No. 1 team in the nation.

In the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 released Tuesday, the Panthers (7-1, 3-0 ACC) were No. 1 after being unranked in the preseason poll. Men’s soccer is the second team on Pitt’s campus to reach No. 1 nationally this season, joining the undefeated women’s volleyball team.

A university spokesman said there is no previous record of two Pitt teams being ranked No. 1 in the country at the same time.

Pitt soccer has outscored eight opponents 18-5, with four shutouts. Its only defeat came against No. 20 Penn, 1-0, on Sept. 1.

The Panthers are led by seniors Luis Sahmkow (seven goals) and Guillherme Feitosa (five assists) and junior goalkeeper Cabral Carter (6-0, with three shutouts). Coach Jay Vidovich is entering his ninth season with the program, including two trips to the College Cup, men’s soccer’s Final Four.