Storming back from a one-goal deficit in the second half, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (9-3-7) unearthed its equalizer from the foot of Christiano François in the 57th minute. However, the Hounds could not hold on and conceded a last-minute tally, as North Carolina FC (7-8-5) won 2-1 on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park. Here’s how François posted his third goal of the season in Pittsburgh’s narrow defeat.
57’ Christiano François assisted by Kay Banjo
Holding possession for the Hounds, Kay Banjo found himself surrounded by opposing kits.
Becoming bookended by two North Carolina FC players, Banjo (orange arrow) sends a ball to François (yellow arrow), who stands open on the right flank.
After François uses his elite speed to crack into the 18-yard box, three North Carolina FC defenders converge on him. As seen above, North Carolina players outnumber Pittsburgh athletes 5-to-3 inside the penalty area and block passing lanes, which draws a shot from the Cabaret, Haiti native. François’ high-powered blast ultimately beat goalkeeper Alex Tambakis to knot the score at 1-1.
The Other Side
In the first half, North Carolina FC controlled the game, and its play culminated with a goal from Daniel Ríos in the 24th minute. Although the USL newcomer racked up 59.4 percent possession in the first-45 minutes, it was a fast break opportunity that led to its tally.
Beginning with a quick throw-in at midfield, the team rushed down the left side of the pitch before midfielder Kyle Bekker found Ríos open in the center of the penalty box. The striker, who had space to work with due to the fast break, found the back of the net to put North Carolina FC ahead 1-0 at the time.
In the second half, North Carolina FC had its possession dip to 50.5 percent. Despite not controlling the ball for as long, the squad took advantage of a stoppage-time free kick for the game-winning tally. Midfielder Steven Miller sent a ball into the penalty area before Pittsburgh goalkeeper Dan Lynd batted it away from the goalmouth. However, the ball landed at the feet of Wuilito Fernandes, who shot it through traffic into the net to provide North Carolina FC with three points.
Tale of the Tape
Saturday’s match was a tale of two halves. In the first stanza, North Carolina FC dominated play en route to a goal and winning the total shots battle, 6-2. In addition, the Hounds could not record a shot on target during this half of play.
Although after halftime, the Hounds took back the momentum. Winning the second-half total shots battle, 8-3, Pittsburgh potted an equalizer from the foot of François. However, a foul and free kick opportunity deep inside the Hounds’ defensive third would ultimately cost them a point on the road. Despite a better half of play, the Black and Gold could not fully recover from a slow start.
