BRADFORD, Pa. (Sept. 1) — The Thiel College men's soccer team opened its 2026 season with a 2-0 shutout victory over Pitt-Bradford on Tuesday evening at Rathburn Family Field.
With the victory, Thiel improves to 1-0-0 on the season, while Pitt-Bradford falls to 0-1-0.
After a scoreless first half, Thiel broke through early in the second when junior defender Joey Kushon (Pittsburgh, Pa./Deer Lakes) found the back of the net in the 54th minute off an assist from freshman Quinn Norris (Warren, Pa./Warren), giving the Tomcats a 1-0 lead.
The Blue and Gold added an insurance goal in the 74th minute when sophomore defender Bryce Bobich (Plum, Pa./Plum) scored off an assist from junior forward Mitchell Strauss (Bradford, Pa./Bradford Area), extending the Tomcats' advantage to 2-0.
The Tomcats' defense held strong throughout the contest, limiting Pitt-Bradford to three shots on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Dylan Budziak (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) recorded three saves in his first shutout of the season.
Thiel returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 5 as they host Pitt Greensburg for their home opener. The contest will begin at 11 a.m at Alumni Stadium from Stoeber Field.
