Apr 10, 2013 2 min read

Matt Venanzi, who led the Peters Township boys soccer team to a pair of WPIAL Class AAA titles, was granted his release from the University of Pittsburgh men’s soccer team yesterday.

“I’m excited about finding a new school and hopefully being successful there,” Venanzi said. “Doing what I can for the next program I go to.”

Venanzi said Pitt will block him from transferring to three schools: West Virginia, Duquesne and Clemson.

His No. 1 option is Akron – one of his original top six, along with Cleveland State, Duquesne, Temple and West Virginia – and could also wind up at George Mason, High Point or even Ohio State.

One thing is for certain, Venanzi isn’t rushing the decision.

“I’ll know when it’s right to decide where I want to go next,” Venanzi said. “I’m not really putting a timetable on it. Just when all the right things fall into place.”

Venanzi appeared in 15 matches this season with seven starts. He scored one goal for a Pitt team that went 6-9-2 overall and 0-8 in the Big East ahead of the Panthers’ move to the ACC.

At Peters Township, Venanzi was a four-year starter and amassed 37 goals and 52 assists, helping the Indians to 70 wins.

He picked up numerous postseason accolades following his senior season, including Region II NSCAA All-American, Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (PSCA) All-State and All-WPIAL.

Venanzi declined to discuss what exactly led to his decision, but said, “I’m looking for a program in terms of soccer that fits me. That’s it. Just trying to find a better fit for myself athletically.”