PITTSBURGH, Pa. - September 4, 2021 - Chatham Men's Soccer did not disappoint in their home-opener this afternoon, defeating Pitt Bradford 5-3.

Four different Cougars scored in the match, beginning with senior Ken Richard just three and a half minutes into the game. Pitt Bradford battled back quickly, getting the equalizer just 70 seconds later.

Sophomore Pascal Despinos got the Cougars ahead once more less than four minutes later thanks to a setup by Ryan Tahbaz, who would again assist on a header goal by senior Franco Ibanez to put the Cougars up 3-1.

Pitt Bradford's Chase Rider would strike again before the end of the half, minimizing the goal deficit to one.

Chatham, determined to keep their lead, came out with a strong offensive showing to start the second half. Junior Leandro Nasso would head the ball past Pitt Bradford keeper Sihle Sizani.

Chatham's final score would end at five, thanks to an own goal late in the game. Pitt Bradford scored once more, but could not catch up to the Cougars' frenzied offense.

First-year keeper Nathaniel Esch got his first start in net, making five crucial saves to ward off the Panther offense.

At the other end, Sizani was kept busy by 19 shots on goal from Chatham, with a game-high three each coming from Nasso, Despinos, and first-year Xander Pinto.

Ryan Tahbaz set a new single-game record with his three assists and currently sits second on the team in points.

The Cougars return to Graham for their next match on Friday, September 10th at 2 PM when they host the University of Mount Union and again on Sunday, September 12 at noon against Elmhurst.