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1ST HALF REPORT – Riverhounds vs Harrisburg (Keystone Derby First Leg)

imageThe Riverhounds came out rolling in the early stages of the first half — capitalizing on mistakes by Harrisburg’s back line.
Rob Vincent took advantage of a golden opportunity in the 4th minute, intercepting a poorly played ball between Harrisburg defenders at midfield.
Vincent had plenty of space — and he to made a run for the box right up through the center of the final third, and Harrisburg’s Nick Noble came out to defle
ct ball away. But Vincent was able to collect the ball as it bounced to the right of the goal, and found an opening past Noble who was still trying to get back to the goal.
Vincent wasn’t done.
In the 11th minute, from midfield, he sent a long ball over to the right side, just inside the box, where Kevin Kerr was trying to shake off Neil Shaffer. While Shaffer fell, Kerr was able to stay on his feet and send
Zach Pfeffer cut the lead in half in the 21st minute after receiving a through ball — as there was some miscommunication among the Riverhounds defenders — and Pfeffer easily beat Ryan Thompson.
Thompson came up with two big saves in the first half — one on a bending shot by Yann Ekra in the early stages, then in the 44th minute, came out of the goal to prevent Dzenan Catic from getting a shot off on a breakaway.
It appears that both teams have been playing direct — and trying to find cracks in the back lines.
The weather is only getting colder and expect both teams will likely be going to use most of their substitution allotment as the game wears on.
In the 4-3-2-1 both Kerr and Vincent are covering a lot of ground — and fitness might become an issue in the 2nd half for both teams so early in the season.
Nonetheless, while possession hasn’t been great on either side, and play has been sloppy at times, both teams are getting chances.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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