This week, we take a look back at the best of the 2019 season. Today, we reflect on the best moments from this campaign.
Monday: Saves
Tuesday: Goals
Wednesday: Assists
Battling Birmingham Legion FC on June 29, 2019, Kevin Kerr, the longest-tenured Riverhound, broke the club’s all-time assist record. Kerr posted two assists in the game, helping the team to its 4-1 victory.
Kerr broke David Flavius’ all-time mark in the 25th minute with a cross into the penalty box to Robbie Mertz. For an encore performance, the duo connected again 14 minutes later, as the midfielder swept in another ball to Mertz from the same right flank. Kerr now holds the all-time assists mark, holding 27 career helpers with the Black and Gold.
Established this year in honor of the club’s 20th anniversary season, the Riverhounds SC Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class on July 12 at Highmark Stadium. There were five inductees; founder and former owner Paul Heasley, former General Manager Dave Kasper, the first head coach John Kowalski, former midfielder Justin Evans and former forward David Flavius.
After the formal induction, the Hounds played the Tampa Bay Rowdies on July 13 – a match they tied 1-1. At halftime, these inductees were honored in front of the crowd making for a truly special scene that introduced club history to its present landscape.
In a match that the Hounds needed three points, the result seemed destined for a tie – that is until a rookie took the pitch in the 88th minute.
Knotted up at nil-nil, the Hounds needed a goal to jump ahead of Birmingham Legion FC on the scoreboard and Nashville SC in the standings. As the clock waned, Pittsburgh struck gold in the 90th minute, as Joe Greenspan sent a long ball into the penalty box from about 40 yards out. Mark Forrest leaped and headed it into the twine to give the Hounds the victory and an Eastern Conference regular season championship, the club’s first such title since 2004.
After clinching the Eastern Conference regular season championship against Birmingham Legion FC, the Black and Gold would play the foe in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals less than one week later. This time, the Hounds would not need to rely on a last-minute goal.
From the opening whistle, Pittsburgh dominated Birmingham. Neco Brett tied a club single-game record with four goals en route to the team tying a club record for its most goals in a single game during a 7-0 victory.
This marked Riverhounds SC’s first playoff win since 2004 and first-ever playoff win at Highmark Stadium.
