Riverhounds SC (3-0-3) won its third straight home game this past weekend after defeating Atlanta United 2 (1-2-3), 1-0, at Highmark Stadium. Pittsburgh produced a number of scoring chances early, but ultimately a goal from Neco Brett in the 26th minute became the game-winning tally. Here’s how Brett notched his team-leading fourth goal this season.
26’ Neco Brett assisted by Christiano François
Throughout the first half, Riverhounds SC repeatedly attacked the Atlanta United 2 defense down the right side of the field.
Playing the wing on this side, Christiano François frequently found himself in the middle of the action on the offensive end. In the 26th minute, the midfielder broke through to help provide the Hounds with the game’s only tally.
In the above picture, François (yellow arrow) pressures Andrew Kendall-Moullin (red arrow) following a recent Pittsburgh throw-in. After stealing the ball from Kendall-Moullin, the Cabaret, Haiti native charges the net along the end line to force A.J. Cochran (orange arrow) to engage.
Seen above, François draws coverage from Cochran, which leaves Brett (green arrow) open at the edge of the six-yard box. Once Brett receives the pass from the attacking winger, he takes advantage of a late rotation from the Atlanta backline and places a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Paul Christensen.
Tale of the Tape
The Hounds pounded the right side for 47 percent of the time while in the attacking third during the first half against Atlanta United 2 en route to scoring the only tally of the match. The resulting goal from Brett pushed the striker into a six-way tie for the lead in the Eastern Conference.
Pittsburgh switched up this approach in the second half, holding the ball for 51 percent of the time on the left side while in the attacking third. However, the Black and Gold could not penetrate the opposing backline for a second tally. In fact, the Hounds could generate only one shot in the second half after recording eight shots in the first 45 minutes.
Despite not posting an insurance goal later in the match, Pittsburgh came away with three points at Highmark Stadium in its first-ever meeting with Atlanta United 2.
