It only took one for Riverhounds SC (2-0-2) to defeat Ottawa Fury FC (0-3-0) this past weekend. Notching the only goal in the team’s 1-0 victory, Tobi Adewole traded his defensive instincts for an offensive burst to score his first professional tally. With an assist from Kevin Kerr, here’s how the Hounds beat the Ottawa defense for their game-winning tally.
85’ – Tobi Adewole assisted by Kevin Kerr
Following a corner kick that Ottawa could not safely clear from danger, Ray Lee led Pittsburgh on a break into the offensive third. While the defender dribbled the ball toward the 18-yard box, the Hounds spread the field with five attackers on the run.
In the above depiction, Lee (yellow arrow) flanks the left side while Adewole (red arrow) and Kerr (orange arrow) are positioned across the pitch. Ottawa defends the play well, as it closes on the Kansas City, Missouri native to force a cross through the penalty area. Also note Fury FC has six players at the 18-yard box, outnumbering the five Pittsburgh attackers.
Seen above, Kerr collects the ball along the end line after receiving the cross from Lee. As the midfielder’s momentum is taking him out of bounds, he plays a pass between goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau and the six-yard box line. Ottawa defends the chance well, as Kerr is covered and Adewole has two opposing players draped in between him and the ball. However, the 6-foot-3-inch defender uses his size well enough to lunge and place the incoming ball past the keeper.
Tale of the Tape
Amassing 20 open play crosses during the match, Riverhounds SC cashed in on one from the foot of Lee to find Kerr across the penalty box. Including his assist on Adewole’s goal, Kerr recorded three chances created after subbing into the game during the 72nd minute.
As Adewole joined the attack late in the game while Pittsburgh pushed to break a nil-nil tie, it led to a successful result that catalyzed the team to its second win of the season. The center back’s first shot on goal in his career became one that led to three points for the Hounds in the standings.
