Match Recaps

PITTSBURGH (July 4, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5-7-4) dropped a tough 3-1 decision to the Charlotte Independence (7-3-4) on Tuesday night in front of 4,006 in attendance at Highmark Stadium – the highest attendance for a home tilt since Aug. 15, 2015, also against Charlotte (4,297).

Jorge Herrera scored twice (61st and 79th minutes) and Enzo Martinez scored the game-winner in the 40th minute to lead the Independence past the Hounds for their fourth straight win.

Forward Chevaughn Walsh tallied the Hounds’ lone goal in second-half stoppage time for his second goal in as many games. After Corey Hertzog’s pass attempt toward Walsh was tipped, it fortuitously landed at Walsh’s feet. Walsh faked a shot with his left foot, faked with his right and then ripped the ball past lunging goalkeeper Cody Mizell to end his shutout bid.

Pittsburgh played Tuesday’s match without its top two goalies on the depth chart. Trey Mitchell was ruled out due to a shoulder injury he suffered before the June 22 match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, while Keasel Broome has been away on international duty playing for the Barbados national team since June 30.

In their stead, Macklin Robinson got his first start in net as a member of the Hounds after being acquired on loan from North Carolina FC of the NASL on Friday. Robinson stopped six of nine shots in his Hounds debut to set a season-high for most saves in a single match by a Pittsburgh keeper.

After dominating possession time in the first half (67.8 percent), Charlotte broke through with a goal in the 40th minute. Hounds defender Shannon Gomez intercepted a centering feed in the middle of the box, but held onto the ball too long. As Gomez kept going back toward his own net, Martinez slid toward the ball and touched it past Robinson.

Early in the second half, the Hounds had a golden opportunity to tie up the game. Midfielder Kevin Kerr streaked up the right sideline and found Hertzog inside the box just in front of Mizell. However, Mizell made a tough reaction save, punching Hertzog’s header over the bar to protect Charlotte’s 1-0 lead.

Herrera’s first goal of the game came via a penalty on a foul by Hounds defender Gale Agbossoumonde in the 61st minute. Agbossoumonde tried to play a ball that Herrera lifted into the air, but struck Herrera in the stomach as he entered the box.

In the 79th minute, Herrera struck again after Hertzog was unable to score on another close scoring chance. Hertzog received a pass inside the box and moved toward the net to get a shot off, but was tripped and the ball rolled out of bounds. No foul was called on the play.

Less than a minute later on the other side of the field, Herrera struck on a corner kick. His shot from the corner to the right of Robinson bended into the goal just above Robinson’s leaping lunge into the back left corner.

After a clean first half, both teams picked up yellow cards in the second half. Agbossoumonde’s yellow on the penalty in the 61st minute was the first of three by the two teams. Walsh picked up a yellow in the 66th minute and Charlotte defender Joel Johnson got the Independence’s only yellow card in the 71st minute.

Pittsburgh drops to 3-5-1 at home and 0-5-2 all-time versus the Independence. The Hounds outshot Charlotte 14-12, but fall to 1-3-2 when outshooting opponents on the season. For the first time in five matches, the Hounds’ possession percentage improved from its previous match. Pittsburgh posted a 37.8 possession percentage on June 22, but improved to 42.7 percent on Tuesday night.

The Hounds look to get back in the win column on July 8 against Orlando City B. Orlando defeated the Hounds, 2-1, in the teams’ previous meeting at Highmark Stadium on June 3. The match begins at 7:30 p.m. in Orlando.  

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Macklin Robinson – Jamal Jack, Gale Agbossoumonde, Tobi Adewole, Shannon Gomez – Marshall Hollingsworth (Chevaughn Walsh 59’), Victor Souto, Mike Green, Kevin Kerr – Romeo Parkes (Ben Fitzpatrick 84’), Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Hunter Gilstrap, Taylor Washington, Stephen Okai, Danny Earls, Jack Thompson

Charlotte Independence – Cody Mizell – Bilal Duckett, Austin Yearwood, Joel Johnson, Henry Kalungi – Jun Marques-Davidson, David Estrada (David Spies 73’), Lewis Hilton, Alex Martinez (Yann Ekra 74’) – Jorge Herrera (Casey Townsend 84’), Enzo Martinez

Subs not used: Kainao Likewise, Zev Taublieb, Ashani Fairclough, Jamie Siaj

Scoring Summary:

CLT – Enzo Martinez – 40’

CLT – Jorge Herrera (Penalty) – 62’

CLT – Jorge Herrera – 79’

PGH – Chevaughn Walsh (Corey Hertzog) – 90+’

Misconduct Summary:

PGH – Gale Agbossoumonde (Caution) – 61’

PGH – Chevaughn Walsh (Caution) – 65’

CLT – Joel Johnson (Caution) – 71’ 

Cleveland Brothers “Blue Collar Player of the Game”

Quote Sheet:

Head coach Dave Brandt

On the team’s lineup…

“We had a big gap obviously since the last game. There were some lineup changes that were necessary. There were some that I chose. I wasn’t overly concerned about that. We had some choices in the lineup. There were several others we could have fielded. I like the group we put out.”

On loanee Shannon Gomez…

“I think Shannon is a really good young player. It’s hard. He’s a young guy. He’s inexperienced. On the first goal, he was a little late getting back and just lost his feet under him. He’s a talented young player. I thought he played well with us.”

On Charlotte’s penalty kick…

“I have to look at the tape. I thought it was super harsh to give a penalty there. I thought it was harsher not to give one to us in the 72 minute, or something like that.”

Forward Corey Hertzog

On receiving no call when he went down in the box…

“I have to be careful with what I say. I mean, it’s 2-0, but I think it’s 2-1. I think it’s a PK.”

On the play of the frontline…

“We’re just trying to put some pressure. We know they’re a possession team and we’re just trying to disrupt them. I thought we did, it’s just frustrating.”

On missed opportunities…

“There’s opportunities and there’s also other factors we can’t control that didn’t help us.”

PITTSBURGH (June 22, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5-6-4) defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies (6-4-6), 2-0, on Thursday night at Highmark Stadium.

Chevaughn Walsh, in his first start of the season, opened the scoring in the 11th minute and his eventual substitution, Romeo Parkes, concluded the scoring in the 88th minute to buoy the Hounds to their first victory since May 13.

Thursday started ominously for the Hounds after starting goalkeeper Trey Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury in pregame warmups. Keasel Broome received the surprise start in net for the Riverhounds, making his third start in the regular season and first since April 12.

Broome was stellar in net, stopping all five Tampa Bay shots en route to a clean sheet – the fifth for the Hounds on the season.

The scoring started in the 11th minute when the Hounds opened scoring for the first time in three matches. Corey Hertzog made an excellent pass from midfield to a streaking Walsh up the center of the field. Walsh faked out defender Luke Boden with a move to his left and then fired a shot to the left of lunging Tampa Bay keeper Matt Pickens into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

The Hounds had several other quality scoring chances in the first half, including Kevin Kerr’s header that just missed the cross bar in the 24th minute. Ten minutes later, Danny Earl’s free kick from 35 yards out was stopped by Pickens, who turned it toward the left goal post.

In the second half, the Rowdies dominated possession, but failed to get many high-danger scoring opportunities. Tampa Bay’s best chance came in extra time, when midfielder Joe Cole tried to kick a rebound inside the box past Broome with his left foot, but Broome flung his right foot out to make the save.

Even if Cole’s shot had gone in, it would not have tied the game. Parkes tallied in the 88th minute by streaking up the sideline and speeding past midfielder Alex Morrell into the left side of the box and then firing the ball past Pickens on his left side for his second goal of the season.

Pittsburgh had a couple golden opportunities shortly before Parkes’ goal. Hertzog hit the post twice in the 85th minute, first on a header just a few feet away from Pickens and then on a right toe shot that glanced off the left post.

The win is the Hounds’ first in their past six matches in league play, previously going 0-3-2 in their past five games entering Thursday night. The Hounds do not play the Rowdies again until July 29 in Tampa Bay – their first visit ever to Al Lang Stadium.

The Hounds will look to continue their win streak when they face the Charlotte Independence at 7 p.m. on July 4 at Highmark Stadium. Tickets to the match are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Keasel Broome – Marshall Hollingsworth, Gale Agbossoumonde, Lalas Abubakar, Mike Green – Kenroy Howell (Jack Thompson 60’), Danny Earls, Kevin Kerr, Ben Fitzpatrick (Stephen Okai 76’), – Corey Hertzog, Chevaughn Walsh (Romeo Parkes 60’)

Subs not used: Tobi Adewole, Jamal Jack, Victor Souto, Nick Thompson

Tampa Bay Rowdies – Matt Pickens – Darnell King, Neill Collins, Tamika Mkandawire, Luke Boden – Marcel Schäfer, Martin Vingaard (Keith Savage 78’), Alex Morrell, Joe Cole, Georgi Hristov – Martin Paterson

Subs not used: Akira Fitzgerald, Kyle Porter, Zac Portillos, Darwin Jones

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Chevaughn Walsh (Corey Hertzog) – 11’

PGH – Romeo Parkes (Kevin Kerr) – 88’

Misconduct Summary:

TBR – Martin Vingaard (Caution) – 55’

Cleveland Brothers “Blue Collar Player of the Game”

Quote Sheet:

Head coach Dave Brandt:

On Keasel Broome’s performance…

“Keasel played a whale of a game and I think the guys in front of him did too.”

On shaking up tonight’s lineup…

“Whether someone’s fatigued and they need a rest, or a push or a little reminder that their spot isn’t guaranteed, we’ve got a number of guys who can play.”

On grabbing the win…

“We’ve given some points away and it was important for us to respond tonight.”

On Chevy Walsh…

“When Chevy’s on the field and he’s fit and in the right frame of mind, he’s an absolute animal.”

Goalkeeper Keasel Broome:

On filling in for Trey Mitchell, who sustained an injury before the game…

“You never want someone to get hurt but I’m just glad I can help the team out any way I can.”

On his defensive support…

“The guys in front of me did their part, all credit to them. They made my job a lot easier.”

On recording the shutout…

“To get a clean sheet I think is huge. I think we build off that now and continue to get better.”

Forward Chevaughn Walsh:

On scoring his goal…

“I had a chance, I tried my best and I took it.”

On his relationship with Corey Hertzog…

“Corey will play his heart out no matter what. He pushes you to go harder.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 17, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-6-4) fell 3-0 to Louisville City FC (7-1-4) on the road at Slugger Field.

The host’s tallies came via a brace from Cameron Lancaster in the 8th and 64th minute, respectively, while Niall McCabe added a late goal in the 78th minute.

Pittsburgh was felled by some unlucky pregame news, as starting right back Ritchie Duffie was a late scratch due to a lower-body injury – the club does not expect the injury to be long-term. Add in the return of loanee Lalas Abubakar to Columbus Crew SC and Pittsburgh was without half of its starting back four to begin the match.

Louisville took advantage, pouring on an opponent season-high 22 shots, including seven on goal. The three goals allowed tied the season opener on March 25 against New York Red Bulls II for the most goals allowed in a single league game this season and the deficit marked the first time this year the Hounds have lost by more than one goal in league play.

Much like the first visit between these two teams this past May, Louisville struck early with a goal in the first 10 minutes of the match. Lancaster converted a free kick from distance after center back Jamal Jack was whistled for the foul.

Lancaster would add to his goal total in the second half, scoring in close on goalkeeper Trey Mitchell thanks to the set-up from Brian Ownby. McCabe later solidified the 3-nil result after Richard Ballard found him with space in the right side of the box.

For the Hounds, the loss extends their winless streak to five games in league play, which includes three shutouts at the hands of the opposition. The defeat stopped a brief two-match unbeaten streak on the road as well, while Louisville extended its unbeaten streak at home to 12 games.

Also of note, the Hounds will be without left back Taylor Washington in their next game due to yellow card accumulation after he picked up fifth of the season in the 71st minute. 

The Hounds will look to bounce back at home with another tough test in the Tampa Bay Rowdies (6-3-6) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22 at Highmark Stadium. Tickets to the match are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Gale Agbossoumonde, Jamal Jack, Ben Fitzpatrick – Marshall Hollingsworth (Kenroy Howell 72’), Stephen Okai (Mike Green 69’), Kevin Kerr, Jack Thompson (Chevaughn Walsh 82’) – Corey Hertzog, Romeo Parkes

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Tobi Adewole, Nick Thompson

Louisville City FC – Greg Ranjitsingh – Kyle Smith, Paco Craig, Tarek Morad, Sean Totsch, Oscar Jimenez – Paolo DelPiccolo, Brian Ownby (Richard Ballard 69’), Guy Abend, George Davis IV (Niall McCabe 57’) – Cameron Lancaster (Ilija Ilic 74’)

Subs not used: Tim Dobrowolski, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Sean Reynolds, Speedy Williams

Scoring Summary:

LOU – Cameron Lancaster – 8’

LOU – Cameron Lancaster (Brian Ownby) – 64’

LOU – Niall McCabe (Richard Ballard) – 78’

Misconduct Summary:

LOU – George Davis IV (Caution) – 35′

PGH – Jamal Jack (Caution) – 36’

PGH – Taylor Washington (Caution) – 71’ 

VAUGHAN, Ontario (June 10, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-5-4) survived a wild night in Toronto, escaping Ontario Soccer Centre with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC II (1-7-5).

In a match that saw the hosts, starting five members from their MLS counterparts, ring shots off the frame on three separate occasions and the Hounds endure two non-calls on questionable challenges in their offensive third, the lone goal scorers were Toronto’s Tsubasa Endoh in the 59th minute and Romeo Parkes notching the late equalizer in the 87th minute.

Despite Toronto controlling the pace of play for much of the match’s first 25 minutes, the Hounds were the first to strike with a golden scoring opportunity in the 29th minute. Corey Hertzog made a strong defensive play, sliding in to steal the ball from Brandon Aubrey deep in Toronto’s defensive third. The ensuing result found the forward in all alone on goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo, but he powered the shot too high, as it skimmed off the crossbar.

The first of two tough breaks for the Hounds occurred in the 42nd minute after Hertzog lofted a beautiful ball to a sprinting Marshall Hollingsworth just outside the Toronto box. Splitting the defense cleanly, Hollingsworth was immediately tripped up as he charged into the box, but to no whistle.

Second half play started much like the first with Toronto dominating possession, but this time able to pull ahead in the 59th minute. Receiving a cross in from Oyvind Alseth, Endoh finished with a right-footed shot across his body to beat goalkeeper Trey Mitchell high.

Pittsburgh looked to respond shortly after in the 61st minute on another defensive lapse from Toronto. Ritchie Duffie was the recipient of a deflected ball in the box after the Toronto center backs collided in failing to clear Parkes’ cross. Staring at a point-blank chance from 10 yards out, the rookie defender was unable to convert though, sailing his shot thanks to strong positioning from Cavalluzzo.   

The 69th minute brought upon another chance for the Hounds off the counter. Charging down the pitch, Hollingsworth sprung Parkes for a breakaway opportunity that saw Cavalluzzo come off his line aggressively to make an impressive save just outside the six.

Momentum continued to shift in favor of the Hounds after Kenroy Howell came on for Jack Thompson in the 74th minute. Selling out for the equalizer in match’s final 15 minutes, Pittsburgh’s effort was finally rewarded after being awarded a free kick at the top of the box.

Showing some creativity with Hertzog, Howell and Parkes all lining up for the take, the first two faked leaving Parkes to finish with a quality strike into the lower-left portion of the net. For the Jamaican, the tally was his first of the season with the Hounds after signing in early May.

Festivities weren’t done yet though, as both clubs frantically pushed for the go-ahead goal in the waning moments of the second half.

The Hounds were dealt another questionable call moments after their equalizer, as Hertzog was able to find space in tight off a nice feed from Parkes. Gearing up to take the shot, Hertzog appeared to be cut down on a challenge from Toronto’s Aubrey, but play continued.

The final moments of stoppage time brought a foul by Hollingsworth nearly resulting in the winner for Toronto, as its free kick saw Jordan McCrary and Jordan Hamilton connect on back-to-back headers with the latter’s ringing off the crossbar.

With the draw, the Hounds were able to hold serve and remain at ninth in the Eastern Conference table, but still find themselves in the midst of a four-match winless streak. The club will look snap the streak next week on the road at Louisville City. The match is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 at Louisville Slugger Field. More information can be found by visiting www.riverhounds.com. 

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington Lalas Abubakar, Jamal Jack, Ritchie Duffie – Marshall Hollingsworth, Kevin Kerr, Stephen Okai (Mike Green 90+’), Jack Thompson (Kenroy Howell 73’) – Romeo Parkes, Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Gale Agbossoumonde, Danny Earls, Ben Fitzpatrick, Chevaughn Walsh

Toronto FC II – Angelo Cavalluzzo – Robert Boskovic, Brandon Aubrey, Mitchell Taintor – Ashtone Morgan (Ryan Telfer 88’), Oyvind Alseth (Jordan McCrary 72’), Luis Pereira-Lewis, Brian James (Jordan Hamilton 60’), Tsubasa Endoh – Jay Chapman, Ben Spencer

Subs not used: Mark Dais, Sergio Camargo, Liam Fraser, Luca Uccello

Scoring Summary:

TOR – Tsubasa Endoh (Oyvind Alseth) – 59’

PGH – Romeo Parkes – 87’

Misconduct Summary:

TOR – Brian James (Caution) – 33’

TOR – Brandon Aubrey (Caution) – 64’

TOR – Jordan Hamilton (Caution) – 77’

PITTSBURGH (June 3, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-5-3) could not overcome a second-half tally by Orlando City B (4-4-3), falling to the visitors 2-1 at Highmark Stadium.

Breaking a four-match goalless streak for the Hounds was Corey Hertzog, who potted the match’s initial tally in the 30th minute. Orlando City B equalized later in the first half off a shot from Hadji Barry in the 42nd before Zach Ellis-Hayden netted the go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute.

Despite suffering their fourth loss at home this season, the Hounds dominated play for most of the match, most notably holding advantages in shots (19-to-8) and shots on goal (9-to-3) – both season-highs.

Hertzog’s tally came off a corner, as the play started with useful buildup from Kevin Kerr and Jack Thompson. Playing the piece short to Thompson, Kerr received the return and fired a low ball in from the right of the box. Pinballing its way through multiple bodies, the ball squirted out to the far post, where Hertzog wasted little time beating Orlando’s Earl Edwards Jr.

Orlando would respond shortly after, as the Hounds defense displayed solid defending until an unfortunate bounce off Lalas Abubakar gave Barry space all alone against goalkeeper Trey Mitchell. Attempting to block a shot, Abubakar was successful, but the ball trailed off his left foot. Barry capitalized, finishing despite a stellar effort by Mitchell, who dove to partially block the ball before it sped into the back of goal.

The go-ahead tally early in the second half came less by luck and more by skill. Cutting across the top of the box from the right, Ellis-Hayden paced before unleashing a rocket of a shot into the upper-90 to give Orlando the lead for good.

For Mitchell, it was only the second time in 10 starts the keeper had allowed more than one goal.

Pittsburgh staged a furious comeback, complete with 13 shots and six on goal in the match’s final 45, but could not crack an impressive effort by Edwards Jr.

The club’s best chance for an equalizer came late in the second half after Romeo Parkes sprung second half sub Ben Fitzpatrick on a breakaway with a beautiful through-ball into the box. Receiving the pass cleanly, Fitzpatrick had to quickly adjust for an aggressive Edwards Jr. coming off his line. The rookie midfielder put a spirited take on goal, but it was met by an even better save by the Orlando keeper.

Of note, midfielder Mike Green made his second start of the season in place of the injured Victor Souto. For Green, the start marked his 123rd appearance with the club, moving him into a third-place tie with Sterling Flunder for most appearances in club history.

The Hounds now hit the road, heading north of the border for the second time this season for a tilt against Toronto FC II on Saturday, June 10. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Ontario Soccer Centre. The club’s first meeting this year saw the Hounds win 1-0 at home. For more information on the Hounds’ upcoming match, visit www.riverhounds.com.  

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Lalas Abubakar, Jamal Jack, Ritchie Duffie– Michael Green, Kevin Kerr, Jack Thompson (Ben Fitzpatrick 61’), Marshall Hollingsworth (Chevaughn Walsh 80’) – Romeo Parkes, Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Gale Agbossoumonde, Danny Earls, Connor Maloney, Stephen Okai

Orlando City B – Earl Edwards Jr. – Zach Ellis-Hayden, Scott Thomsen, Seb Hines, Zach Carroll – Austin Martz (David Loera 72’), Jordan Schweitzer, Lewis Neal, Pierre Da Silva – Danny Deakin, Hadji Barry (Albert Dikwa 77’)

Subs not used: Jake Fenlason, Conor Donovan, Ryley Kraft, Moussa Sane, Michael Cox

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Corey Hertzog 30’

ORL – Hadji Barry 42’

ORL – Zach Ellis-Hayden 53’ (Hadji Barry)

Misconduct Summary:

ORL – Zach Ellis-Hayden 37’ (caution)

PGH – Corey Hertzog 73’ (caution)

PGH – Taylor Washington 79’ (caution)

Cleveland Brother’s “Blue Collar Player of the Game”

Quote Sheet:

Dave Brandt

On the end result of the game…

“We’re better than that. We had that game – we got out to a good lead.”

On having urgency…

“We need to have urgency from the get-go. There’s something in too many pro players that wants to take it easy.”

On the Hounds scoring chances…

“We certainly had some good looks. Corey scored a good goal. I think he’s rushing some other opportunities. The thing is he can hit those, he can score, so it’s not falling for us right now.”

Corey Hertzog

On scoring a goal off of a set corner…

“We worked on it all week on corners. We hadn’t scored off a corner yet, so it’s good to get one.”

On scoring opportunities…

“We created the chances to get back into the game, we just need to finish those. If we create those chances and make them, it’s 3-2, 4-2. It’s up to us, but we have to finish those chances.”

On playing with Romeo Parkes on the frontline…

“The chemistry is good. We look for each other and we just need to put the ball in the back of the net. That’s what today was all about. We had our chances, we just need to put them in the back of the net.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. (May 24, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-4-3) battled their way to a nil-nil draw in round two of the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery, against the Harrisburg City Islanders (2-3-4) at FNB Field.

Picking up points in USL play for the fourth time in their last five matches – all clean sheets – the Hounds utilized strong defensive play across the board to keep the City Islanders off the board. With the draw, the clubs will have to wait until Aug. 12 to determine the 2017 Keystone Derby champion. Pittsburgh currently holds the advantage at 1-0-1 in the head-to-head series and can recapture the Cup with a win or draw in the final meeting.

Harrisburg dominated possession for much of the night, holding a 55-45 advantage in the category. The Hounds though were able to match the host in shots at 11 and found the frame two more times with five shots on goal to Harrisburg’s three.

Highlighting Pittsburgh’s efforts was goalkeeper Trey Mitchell, as well as the center back duo of Joe Greenspan and Jamal Jack.

Greenspan, most notably, led the Hounds in clearances for the sixth time in eight starts, finishing the night with nine.

For Jack, recording five clearances and two blocks for the match, he negated a golden scoring chance for Harrisburg in the 35th minute. Forward Aaron Wheeler made a nifty move to get himself behind the Pittsburgh backline. In on what appeared to be a clear breakaway, Wheeler barreled into the box only to see his shot blocked away last second by a solid recovery from Jack.

Mitchell’s effort in the 79th minute ensured his fourth clean sheet on the season – tied for the league lead. Harrisburg’s Rasheed Olabiyi freed himself at the top of the box, unleashing a rocket of a shot directly on goal. The Hounds keeper rose to the occasion, punching the take over the bar for an ensuing corner that brought no danger.

On the offensive end, despite leading the match in shots on goal, the Hounds now find themselves with only three goals in their past five league matches.

Forward Corey Hertzog had perhaps the best chance of the night in 90th minute. Receiving a beautiful long ball from Greenspan, Hertzog made a deft first touch to settle the pass and find his way past the Harrisburg defense. Attacking goalkeeper Sean Lewis at an angle, Hertzog sought the far-post, but saw his shot go high and wide.

Pittsburgh, overall, had five players record a shot on goal each for the game – Hertzog, Ben Fitzpatrick, Kevin Kerr, Stephen Okai, Romeo Parkes.  

After playing a grueling four games in 12 days, the Hounds get a much needed break off, not playing again until Saturday, June 3 against Orlando City B (3-3-3) at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.riverhounds.com. 

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Joe Greenspan, Jamal Jack, Ben Fitzpatrick – Stephen Okai, Kevin Kerr, Jack Thompson (Abuchi Obinwa 45’), Marshall Hollingsworth (Connor Maloney 70’) – Romeo Parkes (Chevaughn Walsh 85’), Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Lalas Abubakar, Mike Green, Ritchie Duffie

Harrisburg City Islanders – Sean Lewis – Shawn McLaws, Tiago Calvano, James Thomas, Lee Nishanian – Mouhamed Dabo, Paul Wilson, Rasheed Olabiyi – Jonny Mendoza, Cardell Benbow (Frederick Opoku 40’), Aaron Wheeler (Pedro Ribeiro 45’)

Subs not used: Nick Noble, Jake Bond, Danny DiPrima, Travis Brent, Abass Mohammed

Misconduct Summary:

HAR – Mouhamed Dabo 29’ (caution)

HAR – Pedro Ribeiro 47’ (caution)

PITTSBURGH (May 20, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-4-2) saw their winning streak come to an end at three, dropping a 1-0 decision to Louisville City FC (4-1-3) at Highmark Stadium.

Playing their third game in eight days, the Hounds paid for a slow start to the match, as Louisville netted the lone tally in the first 10 minutes. Taking advantage of a turnover at midfield by defender Connor Maloney, received on loan from Crew SC this past Friday, Louisville’s Brian Ownby took off down the right side of the pitch.

The former loanee for the Hounds sent a low cross into the box, finding its way past multiple defenders to forward Luke Spencer, who tapped it in past goalkeeper Trey Mitchell in the 7th minute.

Following the goal, Pittsburgh withstood a barrage of chances from Louisville in its defensive third, as the half saw the club outshot 4-0 in shots on goal in the first 45 minutes.

The second half appeared to start much of the same, as Louisville’s Mark-Anthony Kaye beat everyone but the post in the 46th minute, but the Hounds took control from there.

Unfortunately for Kevin Kerr though, the Hounds captain was also a victim of a post, as he put a shot on frame only minutes later, but saw his bid for an equalizer negated by the right post.   

His partner up top, Corey Hertzog, tied a season-high for shots with six, but only saw two of them go on goal. The forward’s best chances came in the 69th and 71st minute, respectively, as twice Hertzog found himself with space in the box, though neither was pushed on net, both missing right.

Adding to the frustrations for the Hounds was Louisville goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski putting in a spirited effort in goal as well. Dobrowolski made four saves, all in the second half, tying for the most stops against the Hounds by an opposing keeper this season.

The keeper’s biggest moments came in stops against Marshall Hollingsworth and Romeo Parkes. First, Hollingsworth sought for the tying tally in the 64th minute, getting free in close, but his strong shot on frame was met with a great save by Dobrowolski. Parkes, coming on as a second-half sub, had his opportunity come in the 73rd minute, as Hollingsworth worked a pretty ball to the forward at the top of the box. The forward fired a shot on net, but again, Dobrowolski was there to fight off the useful chance.

Further drama would be added to the match in the 87th minute after Louisville’s Paolo DelPiccolo was shown a red card for a foul on Parkes at midfield. Down a man for what amounted to five minutes total, Louisville was able to hold serve and secure the clean sheet.

The 1-0 defeat continued a stretch to start the season of all matches decided by a goal or less for the Hounds – the longest such stretch during the current version of USL beginning play in 2011.

On an individual note, goalkeeper Trey Mitchell continued his excellent play in 2017, making a season-high five saves in the defeat. The California native has conceded less goals (6) than number of starts this season (8).

The Hounds now face another quick turnaround, as they look to capture the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery, with a second straight victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders (2-3-3) next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at FNB Field. Further information on the club’s next match can be found by visiting www.riverhounds.com. 

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Joe Greenspan, Lalas Abubakar, Connor Maloney (Ben Fitzpatrick 61’) – Stephen Okai, Victor Souto, Jack Thompson (Romeo Parkes 63’), Marshall Hollingsworth – Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Jamal Jack, Abuchi Obinwa, Mike Green, Nick Thompson

Louisville City FC – Tim Dobrowolski – Kyle Smith, Paco Craig, Tarek Morad, Oscar Jimenez – Paolo DelPiccolo, Guy Abend, George Davis IV (Sean Totsch 84’), Brian Ownby (Niall McCabe 82’), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Richard Ballard 71’) – Luke Spencer

Subs not used: Greg Ranjitsingh, Ilija Ilic, Cameron Lancaster, Devon Williams

Scoring Summary:

LOU – Luke Spencer 7’ (Brian Ownby)

Misconduct Summary:

PGH – Lalas Abubakar 41’ (caution)

LOU – Mark-Anthony Kaye 45’ (caution)

LOU – Paco Craig 75’ (caution)

LOU – Paolo DelPiccolo 87’ (red card)

Cleveland Brother’s “Blue Collar Player of the Game”

Quote Sheet:

Dave Brandt

On playing on short rest…

“It was an odd week for us. The travel to Ottawa, the travel to Chicago – kind of a split group, but enough first team guys made the trip. You get back Thursday morning at 7:30 and you’re like ‘man, we’ve got Louisville City on Saturday.’ I just think it took a while for us to get our rhythm.”

On Pittsburgh’s scoring opportunities…

“Kevin had a chance or two. Corey had a bunch of chances and I think he and I are both scratching our heads, and the rest of our team. Almost always, one or two of those go in and he had some really good looks.”

On this year’s USL competition…

“It feels like everybody’s really good, really close, really talented. It’s a long season for us, a long season for everybody else, so it’s that grind factor in addition to the talent factor.”

Joe Greenspan

On the backline’s play….

“I think we’re pretty disappointed to be at home and not take points. Louisville’s a good team and credit them. They posed some decent threats against us, but the defense, I think we were fantastic.”

On Connor Maloney and Lalas Abubakar joining the defense…

“I think they’re both fantastic players and they deserve to play at this level. They’ve come into the group and done well. They’ve only been here yesterday, and today, so it’s always tough. I go back to my first couple days with the team and the result against Saint Louis. It’s hard to get integrated into the team immediately, right off the bat.”

On his stint with the Riverhounds…

“It’s been my best spell, overall, since I graduated from the Naval Academy. It’s been tough bouncing around between active duty and missing half of my first two seasons.”

CHICAGO (May 17, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds dropped a tough 3-1 decision on the road to Chicago FC United in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In an extremely windy setting, the Hounds could not hold off an inspired FC United attack that netted goals in the 19th minute, 73rd minute and second-half stoppage time. Tallying the lone goal for Pittsburgh was Kay Banjo in the 58th minute.

Scoring opened in the first half as Chicago’s Max De Bruijne sent a useful cross in that was headed past goalkeeper Keasel Broome by Mark Segbres. The Hounds would respond with controlling the pace of play for a good part of the remainder of the half, including good looks from Chevaughn Walsh and Ben Fitzpatrick, but no equalizer was to be had.

After an injury to Kenroy Howell in the 38th minute, reinforcements were brought in first in Kevin Kerr then Corey Hertzog replacing Walsh to start the second half.

Hertzog nearly connected on two occasions within the 49th minute before the Hounds were able to break through by way of a Banjo goal soon after.

Making his first start for Pittsburgh since signing earlier this month, Romeo Parkes sent a pretty feed to Banjo, who finished with ease for his third goal in all competition this season.

Following the equalizer, Broome was called upon to make an outstanding save in close in the 68th minute. The score would not hold though, as immediately after the Hounds subbed in Taylor Washington for Shane Campbell, Chicago took the lead in the 73rd minute.

Play would slow from there, with the Hounds only garnering a serious look at another equalizer off a chance by Hertzog in the 80th minute, but his take from 15 yards out sailed high. FC United would tally on a late goal in the waning moments of the second half for the 3-1 result.

For the Hounds, the loss marks another disappointing start to the Open Cup, as they bowed out after their first match for a second straight season. Additionally, the club is one of four Division II teams to be dealt an upset on the night so far in Second Round action – Richmond Kickers (USL), New York Cosmos (NASL) and Indy Eleven (NASL) being the others.  

Pittsburgh now shifts its focus to building on its three-game winning streak in USL competition against Louisville City FC on Saturday, May 20. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.riverhounds.com. 

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Keasel Broome – Ben Fitzpatrick, Jamal Jack, Nick Thompson, Shane Campbell (Taylor Washington 71’) – Romeo Parkes, Mike Green, Kenroy Howell (Kevin Kerr 38’), Danny Earls – Chevaughn Walsh (Corey Hertzog 46’), Kay Banjo

Subs not used: Trey Mitchell, Devaughn Elliott, Stephen Okai, Jack Thompson

Chicago FC United – Sawyer Jackman – Oscar Gonzalez, Abdoulaye Samake, Max De Bruijne, Cristian Sanchez – Francesco Moore, Jesus Perez, Nestor Garcia (Tom Barlow 70’ (Jeffrey Farina 75’)) – Mark Segbres, Ryan Sierakowski, Mike Catalano

Subs not used: James Keefe, James George Barkei, Jacob Graiber, Frank Bak

Scoring Summary:

CHI – Mark Segbres 19’ (Max De Bruijne)

PGH – Kay Banjo 52’ (Romeo Parkes)

CHI – Tom Barlow 73’ (Mark Segbres)

CHI – Ryan Sierakowski 90+’ (Oscar Gonzalez)

Misconduct Summary:

CHI – Abdoulaye Samake (Caution) – 23’

CHI – Max De Bruijne (Caution) – 30’

PGH – Danny Earls (Caution) – 86’

OTTAWA, Ontario (May 13, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (4-3-2) pushed their winning streak to three games, using a second-half tally by Corey Hertzog to shut out Ottawa Fury FC (1-3-3), 1-0, at TD Place Stadium.

The victory marked not only the third straight win for the Hounds, but also a third straight clean sheet – both firsts for the club since 2013 and 2011, respectively. Hertzog’s tally meanwhile came in the 52nd minute, moving his team-leading total to five on the season.

After a scoreless 45 minutes saw the clubs primarily trading possession, as well as some timely defense from the Hounds backline, action took off immediately in the final half. Fury FC made a strong bid to take the lead, notching two corners and a shot off the crossbar in the first five minutes.

Weathering the storm, the Hounds proved opportunistic, parlaying a free kick in the 51st minute into the first and only goal of the match.

Following the take into the box, the ball bounced out to the right to Ritchie Duffie. The rookie defender worked quickly to create space before sending in a perfectly placed ball to a wide-open Hertzog for a header past the left of goalkeeper Callum Irving.

The tally was the first scored at TD Place Stadium in regular season play this year.

From there, the Hounds held serve against a furious comeback attempt from Ottawa, including a near equalizer in the waning moments of the second half.

On what appeared a harmless ball back into the Hounds defensive third, Jamal Jack attempted to let a ball through to Marshall Hollingsworth, not accounting for a pressure from Jimmy Shammar Sanon of Ottawa. Sanon gained possession immediately, pushing on goal. Jack though was able to make an impressive recovery, keeping pace and eventually sliding to deflect the attempt on goal.

The victory marked one hard-fought for the Hounds on the road, as they overcame a shot differential of 15-to-6 and 53-47 split in possession – Pittsburgh held the advantage in shots on goal at 4-to-3. Center backs Jack and Joe Greenspan played a crucial role in the defensive third, combining for 14 clearances, six tackles and four blocked shots.

For Hertzog, along with being his fifth goal in 2017, the forward now has 18 in his career with the Hounds and three game-winning goals on the season – the latter all via headers.

Also of note, the assist from Duffie was the first point of his professional career, while goalkeeper Trey Mitchell moved into a tie for the league lead in clean sheets at three.

A busy week lies ahead for the Hounds, as they begin Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on the road against Chicago FC United at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 in Evanston, Illinois. Pittsburgh will then host Louisville City FC at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 for Military Appreciation Night. Tickets for the latter are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Ritchie Duffie (Romeo Parkes 62’), Jamal Jack, Joe Greenspan, Taylor Washington – Marshall Hollingsworth, Stephen Okai (Mike Green 68’), Victor Souto, Jack Thompson – Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog (Kay Banjo 90’)

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Gale Agbossoumonde, Ben Fitzpatrick, Abuchi Obinwa

Ottawa Fury FC – Callum Irving, Onua Obasi, Kyle Venter, Ramon Martin Del Campo – Sergio Manesio, Jonathan Barden, Eddie Edward (Tucker Hume 71’), Lance Rozeboom – Jose’ Seoane (Jimmy Shammar Sanon 58’), Michael Salazar, Nicholas DePuy

Subs not used: David Paulmin, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, Shane McEleney, Aron Mkungilwa, Jamar Dixon

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Corey Hertzog (Ritchie Duffie) – 52’

Misconduct Summary:

PGH – Taylor Washington (Caution) – 39’

OTT – Lance Rozeboom (Caution) – 88’

OTT – Sergio Manesio (Caution) – 90’

PITTSBURGH (May 3, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (3-3-2) picked up their second straight win, shutting out Toronto FC II (1-3-3), 1-0, at Highmark Stadium.

The victory marked the first time since August 2015 that Pittsburgh has won back-to-back matches, while earning two straight clean sheets for the first time since July 2015. Picking up the lone tally of the game was Victor Souto in the 22nd minute – the first goal of his professional career.

Toronto pushed the pace early, forcing multiple blocked shots by the Hounds defense in the first five minutes. Possession would shift between the clubs until Souto was able to net the eventual game-winner in the 22nd minute.

Kevin Kerr and Marshall Hollingsworth worked some nice buildup inside the attacking third with the latter finding Souto with space from about 30 yards out. The rookie product out of the University of Akron wasted no time placing a shot on goal, firing a rocket into the upper right corner past the outstretched arms of Toronto goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo.

Along with putting the Hounds ahead for good, the tally ended an impressive three-plus match scoreless streak (332 minutes) by Toronto, while Hollingsworth picked up his second assist on the season and is now second on the team with six points (2G/2A).

The second half saw the Hounds hunker down in the defensive third, allowing Toronto to control the pace of play, but ceding little to no chance for an equalizer. Dominating possession at a 63-37 clip, the visitors could only muster three shots and no shots on goal in an impressive defensive stand by Pittsburgh.

The Hounds now take a much-needed 10-day break after capturing six points in five days to vault themselves to fourth in the conference. Pittsburgh next faces Ottawa Fury FC (1-2-2) on the road at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.

For more information on the Hounds upcoming match, visit www.riverhounds.com. 

Lineups:

Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Jamal Jack, Joe Greenspan, Ritchie Duffie – Jack Thompson [Chevaughn Walsh 72’ (Nick Thompson 88’)], Abuchi Obinwa (Michael Green 45’), Victor Souto, Marshall Hollingsworth – Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog

Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Gale Agbossoumonde, Kenroy Howell, Ben Fitzpatrick

Toronto FC II – Angelo Cavalluzzo – Oyvind Alseth, Brandon Aubrey, Mitchell Taintor – Liam Fraser, Brian James, Luca Uccello (Malik Johnson 61’), Ryan Telfer, Jordan McCrary (Dante Campbell 82’) – Shaan Hundal (Aidan Daniels 57’), Aikim Andrews

Subs not used: Brogan Engbers, Brandon Onkony, Anthony Osorio, Sergio Camargo

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Victor Souto 22’ (Marshall Hollingsworth)

Cleveland Brother’s “Blue Collar Player of the Game”

Quote Sheet:

Dave Brandt

On earning three points after a tough battle…

“We were just trying to make sure we got away with three [points]. The number of times that the shoe has been on the other foot and we’ve played well and not come away with points certainty outweighs this situation.”

On the Hounds defense…

“I thought our effort in the back was honestly very good. Ritchie Duffie stepped up. It was his first pro start. He played a very good 90 minutes. I thought Taylor, Joe and Jamal were all rock-solid.”

On the scheme involving three center backs…

“Anytime you play three center backs, it’s going to be three at the back or five depending who has the ball. When you have the ball, it’s all good and it’s three at the back. When the other team has the ball, it looks like five and you saw a little bit of both.”

Trey Mitchell

On fending off the Toronto attack during the last 15 minutes of the match…

“I was pretty confident going into the last 15 minutes. I have major confidence in Joe, Jamal, Ritchie Duffie, but Ritchie Duffie was playing a little bit higher for us today – Taylor Washington slips into a center back role.”

On the communication with his backline…

“I think the communication’s got a lot better. I think in the beginning, a little bit of a rotation, made it a little difficult at times, but I don’t think that was the biggest thing that was going on for us. I think Jamal and Joe are on the same page now. I’m on the same page with them.”

On Joe Greenspan’s loan period being extended another month…

“Joe and I actually have the same agent we’re going to be sharing. When we got done with – I don’t remember what game it was – I was like ‘dude, let’s make sure he stays here as long as possible.’ He’s solid. He came into the locker room right away and was good in the locker room with all the guys.”

Victor Souto

On how the goal felt coming off his foot…

“I was just lucky to hit it. It hit the back of the net. The most important thing is that we got the win, back-to-back, that’s the most important thing.”

On deciding to shoot rather than pass the ball deeper into the Hounds offensive zone…

“For me my main job is to go back and pass to the guys in front of me. Today, I just felt something different and I was going to hit this one. I was lucky to just score the goal.”

On his emotions after scoring the goal…

“My whole family is back in Brazil. For me, every performance I have is for them. They cannot be here to watch me play, and I know they were watching online.”