
It looked as if the Riverhounds went back in time.
Pittsburgh (5-6-4), in the midst of a mid-season slump, fielded a lineup that had more 2015 written on it than 2017.
Against Tampa Bay (6-4-6) on Thursday, the Hounds’ first showdown with the Rowdies since they defeated the foe 1-0 in the Third Round of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup, head coach Dave Brandt called upon longtime veterans Danny Earls, Kevin Kerr and Mike Green to take the pitch – the second time this group has all started together this campaign.
The result was just what Brandt had in mind, as the trio helped Pittsburgh to a 2-0 victory – its first win since May 13. Forwards Chevy Walsh (11th minute) and Romeo Parkes (88th minute) provided the scoring in the match.
“We’ve got a number of guys that can play,” Brandt said. “I thought it was time tonight for a little bit of a shakeup.”
Helping fill in for usual starters Victor Souto (who has missed time due to a knee injury) and Taylor Washington (out of Thursday’s game due to yellow card accumulation), Earls and Green were on top of their game.
“Danny sat in the hole defensively just like we needed him to do,” Brandt said. “Just took care of business, stayed disciplined defensively in terms of fouls and cards. I thought it was very, very good.”
Together, the trio has combined for more than 10 years of playing experience for the Black and Gold. Kerr leads the three in playing time and is the only player for the Hounds to not miss one minute this season. Starting on both the frontline and in the midfield, the team captain has posted five points in 15 games.
Green and Earls have played more sporadically, however. Green has appeared in nine games whereas Earls made just his second appearance on Thursday.
Despite limited playing time this season, both Green and Earls were more than ready to step in for Pittsburgh.
“Both of those guys were rock solid tonight,” Brandt said.
Earls tied for the Hounds lead with three tackles whereas Green racked up four clearances, which was third most on the team. It is unclear when the next time Kerr, Earls and Green will all start together, but the three are still more than capable of leading the Hounds to three points.
“I was really upset after Orlando City,” Brandt said. “It was a winnable game. Toronto was a winnable game, and we had to fight back even to earn just a point there. We’ve given some points away. It was just really important for us to respond tonight.”