PITTSBURGH (February 25, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds continued their unbeaten play in preseason with a 3-0 win over the University of Akron at Highmark Stadium. Tallying two goals in the victory was Corey Hertzog with Marshall Hollingsworth adding the third.
The Hounds are now 2-0-1 in the early goings of preseason, scoring a total of six goals while allowing only one against.
After a scoreless first half, action picked up in the 53rd minute when Hollingsworth was able to break free with Hertzog deep in the offensive end. Receiving a feed from Hertzog from about 12 yards out, Hollingsworth finished with ease past goalkeeper Ben Lundt to give the Hounds the lead.
Hertzog would follow with a goal of his own in the 57th minute off a loose ball in the box and then again in the 67th minute off a penalty try. The latter chance came thanks to a foul in the box on Dan Bedoya.
Also of note, the Hounds saw three more players make their preseason debuts with the club. Returning to Pittsburgh for their second stint with the Hounds were Hollingsworth and Ben Swanson from Columbus Crew SC. Both are set to be with the club on loan on a game-by-game basis pending league approval of paperwork. The club also had its fifth trialist play in a match, as defender Rich Balchan started the first half for the Hounds – Balchan previously played for Ottawa Fury FC.
Preseason action continues with two matches next weekend. The Hounds will head to Ambrose Urbanic Field on Saturday, March 4 for a tilt against the University of Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. before returning to Highmark Stadium the following day for a match against University of Charleston (W.Va) also at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.riverhounds.com.
Line-Ups:
First Half – Trey Mitchell – Rich Balchan (Shane Campbell), Tobi Adewole, Nick Thompson, Taylor Washington – Ben Fitzpatrick, Stephen Okai, Mike Green, Kenroy Howell – John Manga (Chevaughn Walsh), Kevin Kerr
Second Half – Keasel Broome – Ritchie Duffie, Jamal Jack, Ryan Adeleye (Shane Campbell), Jack Thompson – Marshall Hollingsworth, Ben Swanson, Victor Souto, Dan Bedoya – Kay Banjo, Corey Hertzog
Scoring Summary:
PGH – Marshall Hollingsworth (Corey Hertzog) – 53’
PGH – Corey Hertzog (Kay Banjo) – 55’
PGH – Corey Hertzog (penalty) – 67’
