(July 17, 2021) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC earned its first win in USL Academy League play Saturday afternoon at Highmark Stadium, defeating Kings Hammer, 2-0.
Didi Flowers opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and in the 61st minute, Will Sangpachatanaruk converted a penalty kick to give the Hounds a more comfortable two-goal lead.
First Half
Both clubs struggled offensively to start the match. The Hounds registered the match’s first shot in the 20th minute, after Milo Larson slotted a through-ball to Sam Farner in the right side of the penalty box, but the ensuing shot went just wide of the net.
The Hounds got another opportunity in the 23rd minute, when Farner got in deep once again. He sent a cross to Flowers in the center of the penalty box, who shot the ball into the bottom-right corner to get the Hounds on the board.
In the 25th minute, Oliver Daboo earned a free kick just outside the box. He sent a powerful shot toward the bottom-right corner, but was denied by the keeper.
Defensively, the Hounds were stout. Goalkeeper Kaelen Matascastillo didn’t have to make any saves in the first half, and even when Kings Hammer was threatening, Matascastillo shut them down.
Second Half
The Hounds continued to put pressure on to start the half. In the 56th minute, Daboo sent a shot just over the net after receiving a ball in the six-yard box.
In the 61st minute, Farner earned a penalty kick after being brought down in the penalty box. Sangpachatanaruk sent the shot into the top-right corner to give the Hounds a 2-0 lead.
Defensively, the Hounds stood their ground. Matascastillo didn’t face many shots to earn the shutout, but when he did, he made quick work of them, including a sequence in the 56th minute where he saved two shots in quick succession.
What’s Next?
The Hounds host their final USL Academy League game in this debut season when they play Cleveland Force SC, July 25 at 3 p.m. at Highmark Stadium.
Riverhounds SC Academy Lineup (4-3-3) – Kaelen Matascastillo; Ryan Edwards, Drew Kemper, Matty Lucas, Oliver Daboo; Ethan Gregory, Gabe Norris, Milo Larson; Didi Flowers, Sam Farner, Will Sangpachatanaruk; Bench: Dylan Janoski, Alex Havskrecht, Nick Inhat, Ben Feinstein, Caden Carpenter, Brock Martindale
Kings Hammer Academy lineup (4-3-3) – W. Shutte; N. Woosley, D. Doza, Salheil, E. Vermeill; A. Patel, W. Hawgood, B. Damge; H. Little, B. Gerak, R. Heisel
