
LEESBURG, Va. (May 28, 2023) — Arturo Ordóñez scored the game’s only goal from a set piece with 12 minutes remaining, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds completed an undefeated month of May with their fifth consecutive win by defeating Loudoun United FC tonight at Segra Field.
It was the second goal in as many league matches for Ordóñez, the second-year center back out of Pitt, and it was the second straight shutout for the Hounds (5-2-5) and goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
The Hounds have now won 11 of 12 all-time meetings with Loudoun (3-8-1).
First half
As they have done for most of their current win streak, the Hounds came out looking to get the upper hand early, and Danny Griffin’s diving header that missed just wide in the ninth minute was the first good look at goal.
Loudoun posed a threat on the counter-attack with former Hounds forward Tommy Williamson leading the line, but the defense mostly covered the over-the-top threats well, limiting Loudoun to just six total shots.
Waite made two first-half saves, cleanly catching a hard shot from distance by Abdoul Zanne, and then tipping a low shot by Kalil ElMedkhar around the post with five minutes left in the half.
Second half
Chances were hard to come by on Loudoun goalkeeper Dane Jacomen, a Pittsburgh native and former Hounds Academy player, but the Hounds took control with the game entering its final 20 minutes.
Robbie Mertz nearly set up Edward Kizza for a tap-in opening goal with a low cross from the left in the 69th minute, but a sliding, last-ditch defensive effort by the Loudoun defense blocked away the opportunity.
Moments later, Tola Showunmi got to the goal line along the right side and chipped a ball to the back post, but Mertz’s header barely missed over the goal.
A corner kick in the 78th minute provided the breakthrough, as Kenardo Forbes played a short pass to Marc Ybarra, just inside the penalty area. Ybarra was able to turn and pick out the feet of Ordóñez in the middle of the box, and the center back was able to power a shot into the net from 8 yards out.
Loudoun pressed forward for a tying goal, but the Hounds sealed the road victory as a light rain began to fall in the final five minutes.
Heineken Man of the Match
Arturo Ordóñez had an excellent two-way effort, highlighted by his game-winning goal, the third of his professional career. The Spanish center back won all three of his tackles, 7 of 8 duels overall and led all players with six clearances.
What’s next?
The Hounds will return to Highmark Stadium to begin the new month, as they host Phoenix Rising FC (4-4-3) for the first time in nine years on Saturday, June 3, for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Riverhounds SC lineup (5-4-1) — Jahmali Waite; Luke Biasi, Nate Dossantos, Joe Farrell, Arturo Ordóñez, DZ Harmon (Robbie Mertz 46’); Langston Blackstock (Marc Ybarra 58’), Junior Etou (Tola Showunmi 58’), Danny Griffin, Kenardo Forbes (Mike DeShields 85’); Edward Kizza (Trevor Zwetsloot 80’)
Loudoun United FC lineup (3-5-2) — Dane Jacomen; Yanis Leerman (Daniel Chica 90’), Bryce Washington, Hayden Sargis (Abdoul Koanda 46’); Kalil ElMedkhar (Wesley Leggett 78’), Aidan Rocha, Jeremy Garay (Juan Ramirez 78’), Koa Santos; Panos Armenakas (Jackson Hopkins 55’), Tommy Williamson
Scoring summary
PIT — Arturo Ordóñez 78’ (Marc Ybarra)
Discipline summary
LDN — Kalil ElMedkhar 47’ (caution – tactical foul)
PIT — Luke Biasi 86’ (caution – tactical foul)