LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 6, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (1-1-2) defeated two-time reigning champion Louisville City FC (2-3-0), 1-0, on Saturday at Louisville Slugger Field.
Scoring the game-winning goal for the Hounds, Neco Brett potted a penalty kick in the 74th minute. Goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard recorded the first clean sheet of his professional career.
“I think we competed well,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “We were a little bit more connected. The balance we had getting forward, but also defending well as a group was better than it has been. We won the tackles. We won the headers. I think we showed some good moments of quality.
“I think if we play a little bit better in terms of our possession, maybe there are more goals. I was really happy how they competed. It’s not easy to shut Louisville down or limit their chances, and I thought we did a pretty good job of that.”
First Half
The best scoring opportunity of the first half came from Louisville. Although not considered a shot on target at the final whistle, it was as close as it could get to being on frame.
Booting the ball from outside of the penalty area, Oscar Jimenez tested Lundgaard in the 30th minute. Lundgaard was up to the task, batting the ball over the crossbar.
As this was not officially ruled a shot on frame at the final whistle, neither team recorded a shot on target during the first-45 minutes of action.
Louisville was forced to make two substitutions in the first half due to injury. Both Luke Spencer and George Davis IV were removed from the game before the 35th minute.
Second Half
The Hounds posted the game-winning goal after drawing a foul inside of the 18-yard box.
Following Alexis Souahy fouling Anthony Velarde inside of the penalty box, Brett stepped up and booted a hard shot past Louisville goalkeeper Ben Lundt to put the Hounds ahead 1-0.
Louisville had a chance to tie it in the 77th minute. Magnus Rasmussen let loose a header from inside of the box, but Lundgaard saved the shot.
Rookie and Pittsburgh native Robbie Mertz made his professional debut in the match, subbing on for Velarde in the 77th minute.
Hound of the Match
Neco Brett recorded his first goal of the season to give the Hounds a key three points on the road. The striker also posted one chance created.
Stat of the Game
Pittsburgh allowed only one shot on target in the match.
What’s Next
Riverhounds SC will return home for its home opener, battling Hartford Athletic (0-5-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Highmark Stadium. The first 3,000 fans through the gate will receive a free schedule magnet courtesy of K-Love. Fans can purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Lineups:
Riverhounds SC – Ben Lundgaard – Ryan James, Tobi Adewole, Joe Greenspan, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Jordan Dover – Mouhamed Dabo – Anthony Velarde (Robbie Mertz 77’), Kenardo Forbes, Neco Brett (Kevin Kerr 77’) – Steevan Dos Santos
Subs not used: Kyle Morton, Sammy Kahsai, Ethan Kutler, Caleb Smith, Christian Volesky
Louisville City FC – Ben Lundt – Oscar Jimenez, Shaun Francis, Alexis Souahy (Paco Craig 82’), Taylor Peay – Devon Williams – Abdou Mbacke Thiam, Magnus Rasmussen, Niall McCabe, George Davis IV (Lucky Mkosana 22’) – Luke Spencer (Sean Totsch 34’)
Subs not used: Tim Dobrowolski, Geoffrey Dee, Napo Matsoso, Pat McMahon
Scoring Summary:
PIT – Neco Brett 74’ (penalty)
Misconduct Summary:
PIT – Joe Greenspan 29’ (caution)
PIT – Ryan James 75’ (caution)
LOU – Lucky Mkosana 78’ (caution)
LOU – Magnus Rasmussen 89’ (caution)
