Looking back at 2017, Inside The Box conducts its first-ever best-of season recap series. In the first installment of this five-part feature, we reflect on the Riverhounds’ best wins. Which win was your favorite? Cast your vote below.
April 8: at Charleston Battery
In the 2017 campaign’s third game, the Hounds were in search of their first victory. Tied in stoppage time at 1-1, Charleston and Pittsburgh were seemingly destined to each come away with a point at the final whistle. However, Kevin Kerr and Corey Hertzog had other plans. During the first minute of stoppage time, the captain sent a long cross into the box, which connected with the diving head of Hertzog. The ball beat goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and the Black and Gold earned its first win of the season.
June 22: vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
All hands were on deck in Pittsburgh’s 2-0 win against Tampa Bay. On the offensive end, it was a team effort and four different players (Chevaughn Walsh, Romeo Parkes, Hertzog and Kerr) recorded a point. Matching the success on the offensive end was the Hounds defense. Leading the team to a shutout, Keasel Broome saved all five Tampa Bay shots that reached the goal.
Aug. 12: at Harrisburg City Islanders
From the opening whistle to the final minute, the Hounds put forth a dominating performance against the rival City Islanders. Parkes and Walsh powered the offense to three goals (Walsh collecting two tallies) while Trey Mitchell held down the goalmouth for 90 minutes en route to the shutout. With the 3-0 victory, Pittsburgh clinched the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery.
Aug. 19: at Saint Louis FC
In a 2-1 road victory, Hertzog’s scoring prowess was on display. Trailing by a goal at halftime, the Hounds had an opportune scoring chance to start the second half. After being awarded a free kick from outside the 18-yard box, Hertzog shot the ball into the upper-left corner of the goal for the equalizer. The striker later posted the game-winning goal off a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.
Aug. 26: vs. Bethlehem Steel FC
The Hounds jumped out to an early lead against Steel FC. With goals from Jamal Jack and Hertzog in the match’s first 20 minutes, Pittsburgh appeared to have the game in hand. However, Bethlehem proceeded to rally to knot the score at 2-2. Minutes after the in-state rival posted the equalizer, Kerr scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal to cap off his four-point performance.
Stay tuned for the second installment of Inside The Box’s best-of 2017 series on Tuesday, as we take a look at the best goals of this season.
