For the second straight match, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (0-1-2) posted a two-goal performance, drawing Bethlehem Steel FC (1-2-1), 2-2, on Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium.
For the Black and Gold, Kevin Kerr recorded his 25th career goal with the club and first of the 2019 season. Joining him, Joe Greenspan also posted his first tally of the campaign. Here’s how Pittsburgh came away with its two goals in its draw in Chester, Pennsylvania.
4’ Kevin Kerr assisted by Ryan James
The Hounds found their way on the scoresheet early in the match, starting with a give-and-go with Kenardo Forbes and Ryan James.
After playing the ball to Forbes (yellow arrow), James (orange arrow) becomes on the receiving end of a pass before sending a cross through the penalty box.
As the ball moves across the pitch, Steevan Dos Santos (blue arrow) makes an excellent heads-up play. The forward jumps out of the ball’s path, allowing it to roll to the feet of an open Kerr (green arrow), who is uncovered on the right side of the penalty area. The midfielder then one-times a shot into the left side of the net, taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s direction toward the right post that mirrors the ball across the goalmouth.
The tally gave the Black and Gold a 1-0 lead at the time.
60’ Joe Greenspan assisted by Kenardo Forbes
Down 2-1, the Hounds scored an equalizer from a corner kick.
After Forbes boots the ball into the 18-yard box, Greenspan (green arrow) rises above the rest with his 6-foot-6-inch frame to head the ball into the net.
Seen in the depictions above, the center back’s size is no match for the Steel FC defender. The net also becomes especially open for Greenspan, as the goalkeeper comes off his line to attempt to claim the ball midflight. As the keeper can’t grasp the sphere, the result is a knotted up score.
Tale of the Tape
The Hounds outshot Bethlehem, 16-13, in addition to out-possessing Steel FC, holding 54 percent share. Ultimately, a 16-minute period in the first half is what hurt Pittsburgh, as the team allowed two goals (Faris Pemi Moumbagna 21’ and Michee Ngalina 36’).
As Steel FC broke through during this timeframe, it withstood these disadvantages.
