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RDA announces 2017-18 Coaching Staff

PITTSBURGH (May 22, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) is proud to announce the addition of new staff members for the upcoming 2017-18 competitive year.

Joining an already accomplished staff that has helped lead the Academy into one of the highest youth leagues in the country in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls this past year, the RDA is primed to excel in one of its biggest seasons to date.

RDA welcomes collegiate coaching veteran Mike Baker

A former assistant coach for the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team, Michael Baker will take command of the 2002 and 2004 Girls teams, as well as the 1999/2000 ECNL Composite Team.

With Pitt, Baker helped the program to its best record in its 20-year history (10-7-1) and its highest RPI ranking (87) in just its third year in the ACC. Prior to that, Baker coached at four different college programs.

Baker’s extensive experience within the collegiate realm is expected to benefit the 2002 and 2004 age groups in preparation for the high-level competition in the ECNL. He will be assisted by current 2004 Girls coach, Greg Annan, who will remain with the 04G as an assistant while also taking on a lead role as a head coach of the 2008 Girls side.

“The first and foremost reason I chose RDA is the philosophy,” Baker said. “[The RDA] is built upon truly developing children to play at their highest levels and then facilitating the resources to make that possible and attainable.”

A native of Chicago, Baker’s role with the 1999/2000 squad will help prepare high school juniors and seniors for the potential transition to the collegiate game, while also working directly with 99/00 ECNL coach and Academy Director, Scott Gibson.

Academy strengthens youth-to-pro connection with Scheck

Assistant coach to the Riverhounds professional team, Andrew Scheck joins the RDA staff as a head coach of the 2004 Boys ECNL team. In addition, he will integrate into a supporting role for both the 1999/2000 and 2001 Boys ECNL sides.

Scheck, who was hired by head coach Dave Brandt prior to the 2017 season, came to the Hounds after spending the past five seasons at North Carolina State University. In Raleigh, Scheck first joined as a volunteer assistant for the men’s soccer team in 2012, transitioning his way to the strength and conditioning staff before eventually taking on the role of Director of Sports Science in the spring of 2013.

His role in the latter included the implementation and management of soccer-oriented fitness plans for the Wolfpack and collaboration with sports medicine to help with player injury and rehab. Scheck launched the use of heart-rate monitoring systems, designing year-round loading maps for athletes, and studying the host of ‘outside factors’, such as sleep, which impact athletic performance.

A native of Acworth, Georgia, Scheck played collegiately at Liberty University and gained experience as a youth coach with CASL during his post-graduate years in North Carolina.

“Welcoming Andrew to the staff was the no-brainer on our end,” said Sporting Director Jason Kutney. “He has meshed very well with the 2004s over the last few months and brings an amazing coaching level, in both soccer and athletic development, to the table. It is important that these boys all have real, tangible relationships with our first team staff and this move is a clear step in that direction. Andrew has the ability to make a significant impact in our boys program.”

With the addition of Scheck, the RDA will see the departure of Academy coach James McCaig, who will finish his current coaching commitments to the club through June before moving with his fiancée to the Midwest.

“Seeing James leave is very difficult,” Kutney said. “He has been nothing shy of first-class on and off the field, but it is certainly understandable that he must make this move for his family.”

Pros developing future pros: First Team players join RDA staff

Since the program’s inception, the RDA has been founded upon a connection between professional players and youth players, with the goal of offering a unique and beneficial experience in the development of the Academy players.

This season will strengthen that connection, as in addition to the rotation-based approach that has seen various first team members working with a host of teams in the RDA system, Academy Directors have identified several professional players who will be permanently assigned to teams for the upcoming year.

The list of pros who will be assigned to specific teams for the coming year includes captain Kevin Kerr, defenders Ryan Adeleye and Taylor Washington, midfielders Stephen Okai and Victor Souto and forward Corey Hertzog. These players will all serve as assistant coaches to specific teams within the RDA, offering a steady presence for the youth players on their respective teams.

According to Gibson, the move takes into account lessons learned from the past as well as goals for the future.

“We recognize, first hand, the benefits of consistency in our training methods,” Gibson said. “We teach players through consistency and repetition, and we have learned that this directly applies to the interaction between youth players and mentors.”

Kutney transitions into role of Academy Technical Coach

As part of the staff changes for this upcoming season, Kutney will take on a role as a technical coach within the academy in addition to his position of head coach of the 2003 Girls.

The move will position Kutney to ensure there are technical standards developed, maintained, and refined, consistently. His recent efforts have been focused upon the definition of standards within technical competence at the three phases of player development in the RDA. Kutney’s ultimate goal will be the establishment of technical expectations for players at each stage of development.

“My passion has always been in technical development,” said Kutney, who also previously served as head coach of the 1998 Girls – a squad that saw all players move on to play at the collegiate level. “I enjoy coaching and all that goes along with it, but my brain has always been wired to break down all of the specific skills and movements of each position on the field, at the different age levels, and come up with ways to address deficiencies and build competency. We have an awesome staff of RDA coaches and I want to support their efforts.”

Additional tryouts dates to be added

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding additional tryout dates being added during the week of June 5. While there will be roster selections made coming out of the upcoming invitational tryouts, this additional round will be used to support children who have been unable to attend during the month of May.

Further information on the full RDA staff for the upcoming 2017-18 competitive year can be found below.

Win streak halts at three in 1-0 loss to Louisville

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.”

Joe Greenspan balances Navy, soccer careers

For the past six weeks, Joe Greenspan has been tasked with defending the Riverhounds goalmouth as a member of their backline, but he protected something of a much higher importance before arriving in Pittsburgh.

Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2014, Greenspan served one year of active duty with the Navy in Colorado and San Diego. Since then, he has become a member of the Navy Reserve.

“It’s an incredible honor to be able to wear the cloth of the nation,” Greenspan said. “It really means a lot to volunteer and say that my country means that much to me and I’m going to do what I can in the role that I have to defend freedom and support those who are overseas.”

His one-year tour started in Colorado where he completed recruiting work. Afterward, his responsibilities sent him to San Diego where he worked on the U.S. Naval destroyer USS Sampson DDG 102.

While on the destroyer, Greenspan oversaw about 20-30 sailors as a surface warfare officer. His team went out to sea for about one week to 10 days at a time, performing tests on the ship’s equipment. He had no cell phone and limited email service while at sea, so building relationships and camaraderie with other shipmates was brought to the forefront.

“On the soccer field, on the ship, it’s a team,” Greenspan said. “Whether it’s 11 guys on the field or a crew of 300 people on a destroyer, everyone needs to work together.”

After he finished his collegiate career at Navy, Greenspan’s dream of playing professional soccer came to fruition.

In the second round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, the Colorado Rapids selected the defender with the 26th overall pick. Despite this achievement, his MLS career would be placed on hold due to his Naval commitments.

“The things I couldn’t control, I was well aware of that,” Greenspan said. “If they told me ‘hey, you can’t play professional soccer and you’re going to be a surface warfare officer for five years,’ I was ready for that.”

Greenspan missed the first half of both the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to his service. During his rookie year, he appeared in just three games with the Rapids. In 2016, he appeared in one game with Colorado before being loaned to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Charlotte Independence, both of the USL.

As the Navy alumnus balanced a military and professional soccer career, he had some help along the way from a former NFL Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.

Joe Cardona, a long snapper for the New England Patriots and a fellow classmate of Greenspan’s at Navy, introduced the defender to retired NFL place kicker John Carney while he served in San Diego. After working 12-hour days on the destroyer, Greenspan would train and lift weights with Carney to stay in game shape.

“I think that helped me stay in overall fitness,” Greenspan said. “I’m on my ship and that’s what I’m focused on during the day, but I could spend two hours a night saying ‘okay, I’m still trying to be a professional soccer player.’”

In June 2016, Greenspan was waived from his obligations, which required him to serve at least two years active duty before pursuing a professional sports activity. At this time, he accepted appointment into the Navy Reserve.

Greenspan finished the 2016 campaign on loan from the Rapids to the Independence. This past offseason, Colorado traded him to MLS expansion team Minnesota United FC. For the first time in his career, he would be available for a club at the start of the season.

Even though he was finally on an active roster to kick off of the 2017 campaign, Greenspan would once again find himself changing scenery. On April 10, the Hounds received the center back via loan from Minnesota. He has since helped solidify a Pittsburgh backline that has faced numerous injuries.

“Just to be able to get games in, get my feet back and my confidence and getting comfortable on the field again, that was the big thing for me,” Greenspan said. “I think over the course of the last five games, individually I’ve been able to do that.”

After Greenspan arrived in Pittsburgh via loan from Minnesota United FC, he was reunited with a former mentor who helped him make a career-changing move.

When the 6-foot-6-inch defender played at Navy from 2011-14, he played under current Hounds head coach Dave Brandt, who recruited him for a role that greatly differed from his current responsibilities.

“He started as a freshman up top at forward and showed great promise,” Brandt said. “That’s where we assumed he’d play four years.”

In Greenspan’s sophomore campaign, this plan began to change. The Summit, New Jersey native battled back and leg injuries, which caused him to lose his starting job. As the calendar flipped to his junior year, it appeared as if he would remain in a backup role – that is until the Midshipmen had a spot open up on their backline.

“I’m on my way to practice in preseason and I’m like ‘you know what, I think we should look at Joe at center back,’” Brandt said. “It took seven minutes before we said ‘well, that’ll work.’”

Once Greenspan made the shift to defense, there was no looking back. He was named All-American and Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior campaigns.

“I consider myself a soccer player,” Greenspan said. “There’s nuances you got to get used to in terms of going from playing striker to being a center back, but for the most part I’m always comfortable on the field no matter where it is.”

Just how Greenspan made a seamless shift from offense to defense at Navy, his move from Minnesota to Pittsburgh all seemed to go without a hitch as well.

“He came in the locker room right away and was good in the locker room with all the guys,” goalkeeper Trey Mitchell said.

Mitchell, who will share the same agent as Greenspan, contacted his representative after a recent match to share how well the Navy product has played on the defensive end.

“I was like ‘dude, let’s make sure he stays here as long as possible,’” Mitchell said.

The duo started its first game together against Charlotte on April 15. Mitchell blocked away two shots and Greenspan cumulated a season-high 10 clearances, helping the Hounds to a 1-1 draw.

With the Hounds, Greenspan has started each of his six appearances, totaling 37 clearances and 17 tackles. His leadership and production has largely helped Pittsburgh to its current run of three-straight shutout victories.

“He has fire,” assistant coach Dan Visser said. “He does a really good job to read the game.”

Visser said often times Greenspan will drop quickly, allowing him to clean up opposing scoring opportunities, and command teammates to drop or close tightly when needed.

Currently, the defender’s loan runs through the end of May. Although, it is possible his loan period could be extended, as it already has been lengthened once already.

“He came into a situation where he’s been very, very solid,” Mitchell said. “I think he’s probably one of the top center backs in the league right now.”

Riverhounds receive Maloney on loan from Crew SC

PITTSBURGH (May 19, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have received defender Connor Maloney on loan from Columbus Crew SC. Maloney, who was drafted in the Third Round by Crew SC in this year’s MLS SuperDraft, joins the club on a match-by-match basis.

Making one substitute appearance at right back for Crew SC this season, the addition of Maloney will help provide depth for the Hounds defense, as the club is expected to be without the services of both right back Ritchie Duffie (head) and center back Ryan Adeleye (hamstring) for Saturday’s tilt against Louisville City FC. In addition, the club has been without Rich Balchan since April 29 after the right back suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

In total, the Hounds have had nine players make appearances in the back four so far this season.

Prior to being drafted by Crew SC, Maloney, 22, starred collegiately at Pennsylvania State University from 2013-16. During his time with the Nittany Lions, Maloney tallied 26 goals and 17 assists in 73 appearances, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors on three occasions, including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.

“Connor is someone I know well from playing against him at Penn State, and he’s always been one of my favorite players,” said head coach Dave Brandt. “Quick, aggressive, skilled, and a strong fighting spirit, I’m looking forward to having the chance to work with him on the field.”

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Maloney will wear No. 37 for the Hounds.

What2Watch4: Louisville – 5/20

The Riverhounds (4-3-2) return home after a tough loss on the road to Chicago FC United in U.S. Open Cup play earlier this week. Pittsburgh though remains hot in USL competition, heading into this weekend’s match against Louisville City FC (3-1-3) with its three-match shutout streak on the line. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. this Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

Headers from Hertzog

Corey Hertzog leads the Hounds with five goals this season, and the past three have been from headers – all of which were game-winning tallies. The forward leads Pittsburgh with 26 shots and 12 shots on goal this season and figures to be in the middle of more scoring opportunities this Saturday.

Romeo returns

Romeo Parkes made his first cap against Ottawa Fury FC last Saturday, recording 28 minutes, and played a full 90 against Chicago FC United in the Hounds’ U.S. Open Cup draw. Scoring five goals with the Hounds in 2016, the forward launched another shot on net in his 2017 debut and followed that up with an assist against Chicago. Parkes signed with the club on May 5 and will be another scoring threat alongside Kevin Kerr, Kay Banjo and Hertzog moving forward.

Top four showdown

Currently, Pittsburgh sits in third place in the Eastern Conference with 14 points whereas Louisville City FC is fourth with 12 points. Both teams also share a similar goal differential this season, as the Hounds are plus-1 and Louisville is plus-2. As the first third of the season wraps up, Saturday’s match could carry playoff-seeding implications as the year progresses.

Goalkeeper Trey Mitchell is tied for the USL lead with three clean sheets this year. All three shutout efforts have come in the Hounds past three league games, blanking the Harrisburg City Islanders, Toronto FC II and Ottawa Fury FC.

George Davis IV leads Louisville City FC with three goals and seven points this season. Davis IV also was a factor in the teams’ last meeting on August 5, scoring twice in the match. The Hounds defense must take into account this Louisville scoring threat on Saturday.

Hounds fall on the road, 3-1, to FC United

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’

Open Cup Preview: at Chicago FC United

PITTSBURGH (May 16, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds open up Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on the road facing Chicago FC United at 8 p.m. tomorrow night at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.

Entering its 104th 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 FC United advanced to the second stage thanks to a 1-0 victory over Grand Rapids FC last week.

A live stream of the match is expected to be available through U.S. Soccer. Check back at ussoccer.com for further information. Fans are also welcome to follow the action live on Twitter at @PghRiverhounds.

A member of the USL’s Premier Developmental League (PDL), Chicago has an extensive amount of experience in Open Cup play previously operating as the Under-23 squad for MLS-side Chicago Fire. This season marks the club’s first as FC United in the Open Cup.

In total, the club has competed in 12 Open Cup matches over the past 13 years, registering eight wins in that time. Chicago’s latest victory against Grand Rapids was its first since 2012 in the annual competition.

FC United has yet to begin PDL play in 2017, as the season kicks off at the end of this month. Last year saw Chicago place third in the Heartland Division with an 8-4-2 record.

– The Riverhounds head into tomorrow night’s match hoping for a better result this time around, as they were bounced in the second round last season against amateur-side Lansdowne Bhoys FC, 2-0, at Highmark Stadium. Historically, the Hounds are at an even 50 percent when it comes to recording at least one win in Open Cup play. Since debuting in the Open Cup in 2000, Pittsburgh has won at least one game in seven of their 14 appearances, including five of their last seven, and hold a 10-13 record all-time.

– Adding to the previous note, last season may very well prove to be anomaly, as both 2014 and 2015 saw the Hounds advance to the fourth round of play to face MLS competition. The most recent appearance in 2015 saw Pittsburgh fall 3-1 in a highly contest matchup at Highmark Stadium against D.C. United that the visitors needed two goals in extra time to secure the victory.

– Wednesday’s match will mark the sixth time the Riverhounds have played an opponent hailing from the Chicago area in Open Cup play. Along with FC United, the Hounds have faced both the Fire and Croatian American soccer club RWB Adria twice, as well as amateur club A.A.C. Eagles once. Pittsburgh’s only defeats have come against the Fire – 3-2 in the 2001 Quarterfinals and 2-1 in the Fourth Round of 2014.

– Set to play in Evanston, Illinois, on the campus of Northwestern University, this is the first time the Hounds have began Open Cup play on the road since 2009 and the third time the club has played in the Prairie State.

– Only four members on the Hounds current roster were on the team for last year’s Open Cup competition – Stephen Okai, Mike Green, Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog. Additionally, look for the Hounds to be without the services of loanees Marshall Hollingsworth and Abuchi Obinwa of Columbus Crew SC and Joe Greenspan of Minnesota United FC, as those players must be made available for their respective MLS teams.

The Riverhounds return to USL action this Saturday, May 20 to host Louisville City FC, who coincidentally will face Tartan Devils FC in their first match of the Open Cup tomorrow night at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff for Saturday’s tilt is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.riverhounds.com.

Hounds shut out Ottawa for third straight win

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’

Rookie Victor Souto at heart of Hounds attack

The net was nowhere in sight. In fact, Victor Souto was a distance away from the 18-yard box as well.

Despite being about 30 yards away from the goalmouth, the midfielder freed up enough space to rip a shot on target. The ball sailed over the outstretched hand of the diving Toronto FC II goalkeeper into the top-right corner of the twine. Souto’s goal was the only tally of the match, and the Riverhounds won, 1-0, on May 3.

After the game, Souto’s highlight-reel goal earned him the No. 2 spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 countdown of the best plays in sports – a rather memorable achievement for a soccer player’s first professional tally.

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

Thus far into the 2017 campaign, Souto has been a catalyst for the Pittsburgh offense. In head coach Dave Brandt’s counterattack scheme, the Sao Paolo, Brazil native is tasked with starting the run and moving the ball up to frontline teammates.

He broke this mold for that one play against Toronto, however. Souto’s intuition to shoot the ball led to his first tally since 2015, when he was in the midst of his junior campaign at the University of Akron.

“It looked like an absolute banger,” goalkeeper Trey Mitchell said. “He has it down. When he gets space like that, he looks to score. He’s going to put a foot through it. In practice, he puts a couple in and that one right there he basically roped it in top corner.”

After Souto saw the ball hit the back of the net, he dropped to his knees in celebration. Teammates rushed to his side, hugging and patting the rookie on the back.

Making the moment even more special were the people watching a continent away. Souto’s family, who live back in Brazil, make sure to view each Hounds game online and cheer on their favorite player.

“For me, every performance I have is for them,” Souto said. “When I scored, I just fell on my knees, thanking God and my family for all of the energy they were sending me. I felt very blessed.”

This coming Saturday, Souto and the Hounds put their two-game winning streak on the line as they travel to face off against Ottawa Fury FC. Even though his first career goal made a splash in the national media, a different feat captured the midfielder’s attention and will continue to do so as the season progresses.

“We got the win,” Souto said. “That’s the most important thing.”

What2Watch4: Ottawa – 5/13

After winning consecutive home matches, the Riverhounds (3-3-2) hit the road to battle Ottawa Fury FC (1-2-3) this Saturday. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, as Ottawa previously played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) before moving to the USL for the 2017 season.

Career firsts

Last time out against Toronto FC II on May 3, Victor Souto clinched a couple of career firsts. In the 22nd minute of the match, the midfielder launched a strike into the back of the net from about 30 yards out. This was his first professional goal and points scored. Souto looks to continue his recent offensive success against Ottawa on Saturday.

Cleaning up

For the past two games, the Pittsburgh defense has shut down its opponents. Led by goalkeeper Trey Mitchell, the Hounds have a run of two straight clean sheets. This streak will be on the line on Saturday at Ottawa, which has scored five goals in six games this season.

Going green

Recently, the Hounds re-upped Joe Greenspan’s loan duration with Minnesota United FC of MLS. The defender’s loan period will now last through the end of May. Greenspan has helped solidify the defense, recording 12 tackles and 29 clearances in five games. He’s likely to receive the starting nod against Ottawa this Saturday.

After assisting Souto against Toronto FC II, Marshall Hollingsworth ranks second on the team with six points. The midfielder has been a steady offensive threat throughout the season, scoring two goals and tallying two assists.

Thus far in 2017, Ottawa Fury FC has received solid play from goalkeeper Callum Irving. Irving is tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference with 15 saves and also tied for first with three clean sheets. For the Hounds to come away with the win, they will need to find ways to beat the talented Ottawa goalkeeper.

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