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Hounds defeat Erie in Open Cup Second Round

ERIE, Pa. (May 16, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC advanced into the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a 2-1 second round victory against Erie Commodores FC on Wednesday at McConnell Family Stadium of Gannon University.

The game-winning tally came via a penalty kick for the Hounds in the 30th minute. After Noah Franke, who made his team debut, was taken down inside the 18-yard box, Kevin Kerr lined up to take the penalty kick. The captain placed the ball by Erie goalkeeper Nicolau Neto in the bottom-left corner to provide the Hounds with a 2-0 lead at the time.

This goal marks Kerr’s third all-time in Open Cup play. He trails only Rob Vincent (four tallies) on the Hounds’ all-time Open Cup goals chart.

As for the game’s first tally, it did not take long for the Hounds to jump out on the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side. In the 4th minute, Kerr sent a corner kick into the penalty area, and Thomas Vancaeyezeele rose up to deliver a header, which beat Neto to provide the club with a 1-0 lead.

Commodores FC’s only goal occurred in the 44th minute. Cameron Philpot, who also scored the team’s lone tally in its first round match against the Rochester Lancers, placed a right-footed shot by Pittsburgh goalkeeper Mike Kirk into the bottom-left corner.

Like Franke, Kirk also made his team debut against Commodores FC. For the match, the keeper faced three shots and posted two saves.

The La Salle University product’s second save occurred in the 78th minute. Following a shot from midfielder Jack Simpson, Kirk deflected the ball away from trouble and out of bounds for an Erie corner kick. Commodores FC could not convert on the ensuing set piece, as the ball was cleared to the halfway line.

With its victory, Riverhounds SC will next clash with either FC Cincinnati (USL) or Detroit City FC (NPSL) for a third round Open Cup match at 7 p.m. on May 23 at Highmark Stadium. Beforehand, the Hounds will return to USL action and travel to St. Petersburg to battle the Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Al Lang Stadium. Fans catch watch the match in Tampa live on Pittsburgh’s CW.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Mike Kirk – Andrew Lubahn (Ray Lee 78’), Tobi Adewole, Hugh Roberts, Jordan Dover – Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Bakie Goodman – Kevin Kerr, Noah Franke (Christiano François 81’), Joe Holland – Neco Brett

Subs not used: Dan Lynd, Kenardo Forbes, Romeo Parkes, Todd Pratzner, Ben Zemanski

Erie Commodores FC – Nicolau Neto – Kwame Opoku, Ashley Phillips (Tulio Melo 84’), Andrew Bennett, Casey Bartlett-Scott – Fernando Martinez, Cameron Philpot, Craig Quinn (Gabriel Dos Santos 67’), Jack Simpson, Austin Solomon – Steven Rigg

Subs not used: Rolpshon Clervoix, Arthur Le Gall, Tulio Melo, Christopher Ralph, Tajay Reid, Gabriel Dos Santos, Max Aken-Tyers

Scoring Summary:

PGH – Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Kevin Kerr) 4’

PGH – Kevin Kerr (penalty) 30’

EFC – Cameron Philpot 45’

Misconduct Summary:

EFC – Andrew Bennett (caution) 70’

PGH – Andrew Lubahn (caution) 76’

#USOC2018 Preview: at Erie Commodores FC

PITTSBURGH (May 15, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC begins Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play tomorrow night, traveling north to face Erie Commodores FC at 7 p.m. at McConnell Family Stadium.

Entering its 105th year of existence, the Open Cup is the longest running competition in American soccer. The Hounds begin play in the second round, as is the standard for all USL teams, while Commodores FC advanced to the second stage thanks to a victory in PKs over the Rochester Lancers last week.

A live stream of the match is expected to be available through U.S. Soccer, while fans are also welcome to listen to Hounds play-by-play guy Matt Gajtka call the game live via a radio feed on the club’s Facebook page. Check back at ussoccer.com for further information on the stream.

Additionally, updates will be available on the Hounds’ Twitter page at @RiverhoundsSC.

Know Thy Enemy

A member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), Commodores FC is making its first-ever appearance in the Open Cup. The club was originally founded in 2009 and known as Erie Admirals FC before rebranding to Commodores FC in 2015. Though new to Open Cup competition, Commodores FC has helped develop several players to higher ranks stateside, ranging from USL to MLS.

Erie most recently finished first in its conference in 2017, and is led by first-year skipper Dale White. Commodores FC will kick off its 10th season in the NPSL on May 19.

Notables

Tomorrow night will be the 26th match played all-time by the Hounds in the Open Cup. The club holds a 10-15 record overall, but has struggled the past two seasons, failing to advance out of the Second Round of play.
The tilt will mark only the fourth time the Hounds have played on the road in the Open Cup since the opening of Highmark Stadium in 2013. The picture on the road has been less than stellar, as the Hounds have lost all three of those matches compared to holding a 5-2 record on the Mon.
Overall, the Hounds would exorcise some considerable demons with a win in Erie, as the Black and Gold has not won on the road in Open Cup competition since 2008 against the A.A.C. Eagles in Lisle, Illinois – a current stretch of eight matches total.
The Hounds will return home to Highmark Stadium if victorious tomorrow night, facing the winner of Detroit City FC of the NPSL and conference-rival FC Cincinnati next Wednesday, May 23.
Of the current roster, Kay Banjo, Ben Fitzpatrick, Kevin Kerr and Romeo Parkes have previous experience playing in the Open Cup for the Hounds. Only Kerr’s extends past last year’s 3-1 defeat at Chicago FC United.
For more information and notes on the Hounds in Open Cup play, check out The Howler’s breakdown here.

Up Next

A busy stretch of play continues for the Hounds, as they return to league play and hit the road once again to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, May 19. The match can be watched live on Pittsburgh’s CW, while the club will also be hosting a watch party beginning at 6 p.m. at Smokin’ Joe’s Saloon in South Side.

Dover tabbed for USL Team of the Week

PITTSBURGH (May 15, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defender Jordan Dover has been named to USL Team of the Week after helping the Hounds to their Eastern Conference-leading sixth shutout of the season in a nil-nil draw against Indy Eleven this past Friday at Highmark Stadium.

Dover tied for the team-lead in tackles with four, as well as registered four interceptions, helping the backline hold Indy to zero shots on goal en route to extending the best start in club history to eight games unbeaten.

The Ajax, Ontario native has starred for the Hounds primarily at outside back, starting in seven of eight matches this season and playing a full-90 minutes in all but one of his starts. He leads the club in blocks with seven and is second in interceptions with 16. He’s provided offensive pace as well, registering his first career goal against FC Cincinnati in April and is currently second overall on the team with four shots on goal.

Riverhounds SC will look to translate its hot start to the season to Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action, kicking off its campaign in the annual competition tomorrow night against Erie Commodores FC at 7 p.m. at McConnell Family Stadium. A stream of the match is expected to be available and can be found by visiting ussoccer.com. Fans are also welcome to listen to Hounds play-by-play guy Matt Gajtka call the game live via a radio feed on the club’s Facebook page.

For more information on the USL Team of the Week for Week 9, visit USLsoccer.com.

HOUNDS NAMED TO TEAM OF THE WEEK

Jordan Dover: Week 9 – May 15

Neco Brett: Week 8 – May 8

Tobi Adewole: Week 7 – May 1

Thomas Vancaeyezeele: Week 6 – April 24

Tobi Adewole: Week 5 – April 17

Neco Brett: Week 4 – April 10 (Player of the Week)

#USOC2018 – Facts & Figures

Entering Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play in the second round, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will hit the road to battle Erie Commodores FC at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at McConnell Family Stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania. As the Hounds ready for their first test in the one-game elimination tournament, here’s the past and present of Pittsburgh’s Open Cup narration.

How It Starts

Regularly competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), Commodores FC opened its 2018 season with Open Cup play, as league action will not start until May 19 for the club.

Erie advanced to the second round after defeating the Rochester Lancers (formerly branded as Rochester River Dogz FC) of the NPSL, 1-1 (5-4 PKs), on May 9. Cameron Philpot initially provided Commodores FC with a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute before the Lancers knotted the score at 1-1 at the end of the first half.

With this victory, Erie will now battle Riverhounds SC on Wednesday in the second round of action for their first-ever meeting.

How They’ve Scored

Two active Hounds have previously scored in the Open Cup while wearing Black and Gold.

As Pittsburgh dropped its second round match against Chicago FC United, 3-1, in 2017, Kay Banjo notched the only tally, an equalizer to even the score at 1-1, for the team in the tournament.

In addition, Kevin Kerr has scored two goals in his Open Cup career. His most recent tally in the nationwide competition occurred in 2015 during a 3-0 win against the West Virginia Chaos in the second round. The midfielder also scored in the second round during the 2014 Open Cup in the Hounds’ 3-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls (NPSL). Only Rob Vincent (4 goals) has scored more often for the Hounds in Open Cup action.

As well as Kerr and Banjo, Mouhamed Dabo has had recent scoring success in Open Cup play. Competing for Penn FC (then known as the Harrisburg City Islanders) in 2017, the midfielder scored the team’s game-winning penalty kick goal in its second round match against the Ocean City Nor’easters, as the score was still tied after extra time.

How It’s Happened

Pittsburgh has fared well in Open Cup games in Pennsylvania (8-4 record), but with one caveat – all of these games were played on its home turf. For the first time in team history, the Hounds will play a road match within state borders during the tournament.

Despite this success, the Hounds have recently faltered in Open Cup action. For the past two years, the club has been eliminated after one game of play. These losses follow two straight runs into the fourth round of Open Cup action, and both of these fourth round defeats came at the hands of MLS teams (Chicago Fire in 2014 and D.C. United in 2015).

Overall, the Hounds have faced an MLS squad five times in Open Cup play. Their only win came against the Colorado Rapids in 2001 – a match in that Alfredo Ulloa and Phil Karn provided the tallies.

How It Could Unfold

If the Hounds advance past Commodores FC this Wednesday, they would then prepare for a third round match on May 23. This game would take place at Highmark Stadium, and Pittsburgh would play the winner of the second round tilt between FC Cincinnati and Detroit City FC.

Rowdies Watch Party at Smokin' Joe's

Come root on your unbeaten Riverhounds SC this weekend at Smokin’ Joe’s Saloon in South Side, as the club looks to continue its best start in franchise history at the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, May 19.

The official watch party destination of the Hounds, Smokin’ Joe’s will be serving up a free round of Golden Hound Ale after every Pittsburgh goal, as well as a 45-cent wing special. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and first whistle is at 7:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on Pittsburgh’s CW.

Please note, individuals must be 21-or-older to attend. For more information on Smokin’ Joe’s, visit SmokinJoesSaloon.com.

Riverhounds SC at FC Cincinnati

Date: May 19, 2018

When: Starts at 6 p.m. | Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Location:

Smokin’ Joe’s Saloon (Upstairs Room)

2001 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Specials

Free round of Golden Hound Ale after every Hounds goal
45-cent wings

Hounds draw Indy to extend unbeaten streak

PITTSBURGH (May 11, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-0-4) tied Indy Eleven (4-2-2), 0-0, Friday at Highmark Stadium. The nil-nil result marks the Hounds’ sixth shutout this season.

Goalkeeper Kyle Morton registered his third clean sheet this year en route to Pittsburgh extending its streak of never trailing in a match to eight games (720 minutes) to start the campaign. The Black and Gold also remain unbeaten at home (3-0-2) on the season.

How It Happened

Allowing zero shots on goal for the match’s entirety, the Hounds’ backline shut down the Indy attack.

In the second half, the Pittsburgh defense was especially smothering while conceding just two shots – both of which were off target. The best chance the Eleven had to generate in a goal came in the 66th minute, when midfielder Soony Saad launched a free kick just by the frame from about 35 yards out.

Like Indy, the Hounds did not record a second-half shot on goal. Although, Joe Holland provided an offensive spark for Pittsburgh when he subbed into the match for Kevin Kerr in the 74th minute. The attacking midfielder blasted two shots, as the first one was blocked and the latter just missed to the left of the net.

The first 45 minutes were also defense centric for both Pittsburgh and Indy Eleven.

The only shot on goal for the first half of play – and the entire match – came off the foot of Christiano François in the 44th minute. The speedy attacking midfielder released his take from the left side of the 18-yard box, but could not muster enough to place the ball by Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams from a tough angle.

For Indy Eleven, Saad had the best scoring opportunities for the USL newcomer in the first half. In the 28th and 29th minutes, he created space to fire two shots. However, both takes missed the target, as the first sailed over the crossbar while the second traveled wide of the far-left post.

The Eleven suffered a first-half injury to defender Carlyle Mitchell, who led the club with 43 clearances heading into the match. Mitchell was forced to leave the game in the 35th minute, and Brad Rusin subbed into the match for his teammate.

Man of the Match

Kenardo Forbes handled Indy the entire night with a strong two-way performance. On the offensive end, Forbes tallied one shot, leading the club with 56 total passes, including 38 of those coming in the opposing team’s half. His showing defensively was equally as impressive, as he led the club with five interceptions and tied for the team lead in tackles (4) and possessions gained (10).

Stat of the Game

Kyle Morton collected his third shutout of the season, marking himself and Dan Lynd of having three shutouts each for the Hounds. The pair collectively has only allowed three combined goals this season.

Beyond the Box score

Kyle Morton competed in his second straight game where he did not record a save in an entire match, but still posted a clean sheet.
Thomas Vancaeyezeele held Indy in check for most of the game, collecting three tackles, five clearances and two interceptions defensively for Pittsburgh.
Kevin Kerr accumulated three chances created in the draw against Indy. This ups Kerr’s team-leading total to 17 on the season.
The Hounds combined to outshoot the Eleven 13-7 in the match, including collecting the lone shot on target.

What’s Next

Riverhounds SC keeps busy next week with two tilts, beginning with opening its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign on Wednesday, May 16 to take on Erie Commodores FC at 7p.m. in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Hounds then return to league play with a trip to Florida to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies (4-4-0) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Al Lang Stadium.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Kyle Morton – Ray Lee, Tobi Adewole, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Todd Pratzner, Jordan Dover – Kenardo Forbes, Ben Zemanski (Hugh Roberts 85’) – Kevin Kerr (Joe Holland 75’) – Neco Brett, Christiano François (Romeo Parkes 75’)

Subs not used: Dan Lynd, Andrew Lubahn, Noah Frankie, Bakie Goodman

Indy Eleven – Owain Fon Williams – Brad Ring, Carlyle Mitchell (Brad Rusin 35’) Karl Ouimette, Ayoze Garcia – Nico Matern (Juan Guerra 62’) – Nathan Lewis, Zach Steinberger, Justin Braun, Soony Saad – Jack Mcinerney,

Subs not used: Jordan Farr, Seth Moses, Matt Watson, Ben Speas, Amass Amankona

Misconduct Summary:

IND – Brad Ring 77’ (Caution)

Quote Sheet

Head coach Bob Lilley

On the last 20 minutes…

“It’s a little disappointing that the last 20 minutes we were only attacking with three or four. I think there were times we could have pushed guys more in. I think we settled for a draw a little bit and we should have put them under more pressure in the last 15 or 20 minutes to see what they were made of.”

On creating opportunities…

“To win games, we want to create. I have no idea what the shot totals were, but I’m guessing they were in the single digits for both teams and there weren’t that many on target. At home, we want to be able to create more clear-cut chances.”

On the opposition’s tactics…

“I think what they did well was winning a lot of the second balls. That would be something that we need to address the next time we play them. They were able to be physical and come out with the ball into attacking moments. They did a good job at picking up the loose pieces, which is a part of the game.”

Midfielder Kenardo Forbes

On Indy Eleven…

“They are a good team and they move the ball around. They are very big and strong, especially around the midfield. In the second half, I think we were up for the for the challenge and presented ourselves.”

On spreading the field…

“I don’t think we moved the ball as much as we wanted today, but as we see the ball more the better we will be into position.”

On remaining unbeaten…

“With Bob, you always know you get a championship team. He is very hard on the guys and push the guys each and every day. We know nobody can relax.”

Kevin Kerr remains a fixture with the Hounds

Kevin Kerr and Neco Brett are in the midst of their first season playing together, but they looked more like long-time teammates when Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC battled Toronto FC II last Saturday.

Just 24 minutes after Kerr assisted Brett on a tally that pushed the Hounds ahead, 1-0, the duo was at it again – this time trading roles. After receiving the first pass in a give-and-go sequence, the Kingston, Jamaica native effortlessly returned a ball with the inside of his left foot to the Hounds veteran, who then one-timed a shot into the twine to provide Pittsburgh with a 2-0 lead.

“It’s funny,” Kerr said. “I told him before the game, I’d get him one. After the first goal went in, I asked him, ‘now get me one.’ And he did.”

Catalyzed by these two goals, Pittsburgh defeated Toronto FC II, 2-1. Riverhounds SC (4-0-3) now returns home for its first-ever clash with Indy Eleven (4-2-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday at Highmark Stadium. As he leads the Hounds with 14 chances created this season, Kerr once again figures to be a key component in the Pittsburgh attack fresh off his record-setting performance.

After notching his first goal of the season against Toronto, Kerr (68 career points) passed former Pittsburgh striker Thiago Martins (67 points) for second place on the club’s all-time points list. This tally also moved “The Archer” into a three-way tie with Phil Karn and José Angulo for No. 5 all-time with 23 career league-play goals.

Now in his sixth season with the Hounds, the Scottish veteran figures to keep climbing numerous all-time leaderboards while Pittsburgh chases playoff birth in 2018.

Kerr, who was born in Münster, Germany due to his father’s military duties, said he “never wanted to be a journeyman” and has felt this way ever since he began playing in the academy of German club Arminia Bielefeld in 2003.

The midfielder played in the Arminia Bielefeld academy system for eight years and made his debut for the first team in March 2010. After making 15 career appearances for the 2. Bundesliga side, he signed with AGOVV Apeldoorn, a second-tier Dutch team, in 2012.

“Leaving [Arminia Bielefeld] was one of my biggest mistakes,” Kerr said. “I didn’t realize it at the time. From that moment on, I was looking for a new home.”

He would play one season with AGOVV Apeldoorn before returning to Germany to compete for S.C. Wiedenbruck of the Regionalliga West. After spending a campaign with the fourth-tier team, Kerr found a permanent home – one by the Monongahela River.

Since 2013, Kerr has been at the heart of the Pittsburgh offense. He set personal season-highs of 10 goals, nine assists and 29 points en route to being named USL All-League Second Team in 2015, the first of three straight seasons he logged at least 10 points.

As he has helped the Hounds to a third-place standing in the Eastern Conference table this year, the club’s all-time minutes leader has without a doubt avoided the notion of being a journeyman and has grown into something much more within the Pittsburgh soccer community.

“I’m absolutely still loving it here,” Kerr said. “I’m really enjoying the new regime, the new coaching staff, so who knows how long it can keep going.”

While Kerr continues his career in Black and Gold, he remains a fixture in the Pittsburgh offense. Through the years, he has successfully formed a rapport with numerous different players. This campaign, he wishes to do the same with a former Robert Morris University standout.

Kerr said Brett is a player he enjoys competing alongside and he hopes to form a similar bond with him like he did in previous seasons with All-League players Corey Hertzog and Rob Vincent.

Furthering offensive success this Friday will be no easy task for Kerr, Brett and the Hounds, as Indy Eleven has showcased a stout defense. The former North American Soccer League squad has allowed less than one goal per game (0.71) and has recorded four clean sheets in seven matches to date.

“It will definitely be our biggest test at home,” Kerr said. “We just need to keep building. Under Bob [Lilley] and Mark [Pulisic], there’s certainly no place for any complacency, which is great. If a team is going to come in and going to take points, they’re going to have to work for it.”

What2Watch4: Indy – 5/11

Fresh off a 2-1 victory against Toronto FC II, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-0-3) returns home to clash with Indy Eleven (4-2-1) at 7 p.m. on Friday at Highmark Stadium. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides, as Indy Eleven joins the USL Eastern Conference after competing in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

500 Battles

Friday’s match against Indy Eleven will be the 500th game in Riverhounds SC history, including regular season, postseason and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches. This season, the Hounds are allowing goals at their lowest clip in club history (0.43 goals allowed per game) and are also faring well on the offensive side of the ball, as their 1.43 goals forwarded per game is their best mark since 2015.

Shooting Arrows

With a goal and an assist last time out, Kevin Kerr moved past former Pittsburgh striker Thiago Martins for No. 2 all-time in club history with 68 career points. The midfielder has been active offensively, leading the team with 14 chances created. Like he has since 2013, Kerr once again figures to lead the Hounds attack against Indy Eleven.

Dual-Threat

Playing largely as an outside defender, Jordan Dover has had a stellar season for the Hounds. The Ajax, Ontario, Canada native has registered four shots – all on goal – to lead defenders in the statistic. Meanwhile on the defensive end, he leads the Hounds with six blocked shots. Look for Dover to be all over the pitch on Friday.

After Week 8, Neco Brett leads the Eastern Conference with five goals. He will look to add to his club-leading 12 points this Friday.

Converting scoring opportunities is always essential, but it will be even more important when Indy Eleven and Riverhounds SC meet. Both teams are allowing less than one goal per game. In addition, the Hounds lead the Eastern Conference with five clean sheets, and Indy Eleven is tied for second place in the East with four shutouts. Pittsburgh will need to make the most of its opportunities throughout its upcoming match.

Opposition Report: Indy – 5/11

USL newcomer Indy Eleven (4-2-1) will face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-0-3) for the first time in club history at 7 p.m. on Friday at Highmark Stadium. Indy Eleven join the USL Eastern Conference for this campaign after previously competing in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Indy Eleven have fared well in 2018 thus far, ranking No. 6 in the Eastern Conference standings heading into week nine. Both of the club’s losses have come to first-place FC Cincinnati. Despite these losses, the Eleven have shown they can defeat elite competition, as it is coming off a 1-0 victory against defending USL-champion Louisville City FC.

Owain Fon Williams has statistically been one of the top goalkeepers in the conference, ranking tied for No. 1 with four clean sheets. He also has recorded a .706 save percentage and 0.71 goals-against average while starting all seven of the Eleven’s games to date. He most recently shut out Louisville City FC last time out.

Strengths

Balanced attack: Indy Eleven have featured scoring from a wealth of players thus far into the season. Jack McInererney, Soony Saad and Ayoze García all lead the squad with two goals apiece.

Winning fouls: The Eleven have won 95 fouls this season, which compares well to only 67 fouls conceded.

Weaknesses:

Conversion rate: The Eleven rank No. 12 in the Eastern Conference with an 11 percent conversion rate. Furthermore, two of the club’s seven goals have been scored via penalty kick opportunities – a seemingly easier route to notch a goal.

Discipline: The team has posted the fourth most yellow cards (15) in the Eastern Conference.

Brett named to USL Team of the Week

PITTSBURGH (May 8, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Neco Brett has been named to USL Team of the Week after recording a goal and an assist in the club’s 2-1 victory over Toronto FC II this past Saturday at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester, New York.

Brett provided an impressive encore to his seven-point, hat trick performance against the Young Reds on April 7, opening scoring in the 12th minute. After Jordan Dover pressured an opposing player, it led to the ball landing at the feet of Kevin Kerr along the end line inside of the penalty area. The long-time Hounds veteran then sent a deflected ball to Brett, who one-timed a right-footed shot into the net from atop of the six-yard box.

The Kingston, Jamaica native was once again at the center of the offensive attack in the 36th minute – this time playing the role of a distributer. The striker played a give-and-go with Kerr, who then sprinted into the 18-yard box and released a left-footed shot from the penalty dot past Toronto goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell for the eventual game-winning goal.

Through seven matches, Brett has been on a torrid pace, leading the Eastern Conference with five goals scored. In addition, he paces the club with 12 points overall, adding two assists – tied for the team lead – to go along with the goal output.

The weekly honor marks the second time Brett has graced USL Team of the Week – he was named Player of the Week for Week 4 after netting a hat trick and an assist against Toronto at Highmark Stadium – and fifth straight week a Hounds player has been nominated.

Also of note, Kerr earned a spot on the Team of the Week bench for his game-winning goal and assist on Brett’s tally.

The lone remaining unbeaten team in the league, Riverhounds SC will once again put its seven-game streak to the test, hosting Indy Eleven for the first time in franchise history at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11 at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds will be celebrating Mother’s Day, including cards to the first 1,000 fans through the door, provided by Allegheny Health Network, and are running a 2-for-1 ticket special through Friday morning. Tickets to the match are still available and can be found by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

For more information on the USL Team of the Week for Week 8, visit USLsoccer.com.