Kay Banjo bolted through the University of Pittsburgh defense, chasing down a through-ball from teammate Corey Hertzog.
The forward collected the ball and shot it by the opposing goalkeeper, scoring his first career goal with the Riverhounds and providing the team with an insurance tally in the 86th minute of its 3-1 victory on Saturday at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
“Corey’s been trying to get me one every game and it finally came,” Banjo said.
The UMBC product followed up his goal-scoring performance with an assist during the team’s 1-1 draw against the University of Charleston (W.Va) on Sunday at Highmark Stadium. In the 51st minute, Banjo returned the favor and set up Hertzog’s score, finding him inside the 18-yard box.
“Corey gives me pointers,” Banjo said. “He talks to me every practice and he even texts me all the time back home. He sees potential in me and I obviously see the same thing and it shows on the field.”
Early in the first half against Charleston, fellow rookie Ben Fitzpatrick placed pressure on the opposing defense, showcasing a yellow cleat on his right foot and a red cleat on his left.
“I’m usually a black-shoe guy, but I went with something a little different this time,” Fitzpatrick said. “Maybe we’ll see a little more of that this year.”
The midfielder just missed on his two scoring opportunities. During his first scoring chance, Fitzpatrick sent a shot on the ground past the opposing goalkeeper, but just wide of the net. In the 19th minute, the rookie released another shot. This time the Charleston goalkeeper blocked away the ball.
“We’re coming out, training hard and learning the team philosophy and the way the team wants to play,” Fitzpatrick said. “Everyone’s had a good mentality and effort toward training.”
First-year player John Manga also contributed to the Hounds attack this weekend, assisting Kevin Kerr’s tally against the Panthers. Manga, who previously played at the University of Cincinnati, hit Kerr with a pass just inside of the 18-yard box.
Like Hertzog, Kerr also has served as a mentor for rookie players.
“It’s always a blessing playing professionally,” Banjo said. “That’s everybody’s dream. Corey, Kevin and a lot of the guys who have been here have helped a lot with the process of being a rookie.”
