RIVERHOUNDS LOSE AGAIN, VICTIMIZED BY PAIR OF OWN GOALS

from USL/Pittsburgh Riverhounds reports
RICHMOND, Va. (June 11, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (1-7-3) were unable to overcome two first half own goals, falling to the Richmond Kickers (5-4-4), 3-1, at City Stadium. 
Dropping their third-straight match, the Riverhounds lone goal came from Corey Hertzog in the 90th minute, while own goals were conceded by Conor Branson in the 17th minute and Hunter Gilstrap in the 20th minute.
Notching the third tally for the Kickers was Anthony Grant in the 66th minute.
BOX SCORE
With game time temperatures soaring above 90 degrees, the Kickers dominated possession for the better part of the first half with both the wind and the sun at their backs. Their first goal came off an opportunistic bounce within the box, as Yudai Imura rifled a shot heading wide left that glanced off Branson and past Gilstrap. Branson, who replaced defender Sergio Campbell for the latter’s one-game red card suspension, appeared to be protesting for an offsides call before Imura’s shot glanced off his chest.
Minutes later, the Kickers reaped the benefits of another sustained spell of possession, this time capitalizing off a corner kick. Handling the attempt on the far side of the box, Lucas Paulini centered the ball to Brian Ownby up top. Ownby promptly uncorked a heavy shot off the bounce, glancing hard off the crossbar and then off the back of Gilstrap’s head for the Kickers’ second tally of the match.
From there, the Kickers continued to handle possession, eventually finding way to a third goal in the second half thanks to a header from Grant.
Hertzog would tally one late for the Hounds after a failed clear by the Kickers off a corner kick. The Hounds forward caught the ball just as it landed within the box to ring it past goalkeeper Charlie Horton for his third goal on the season.
Also of note, newly-signed Jack Thompson made his Hounds debut subbing for Stephen Okai in the 33rd minute, while Gilstrap, starting for the first time in four games, made his 100th USL appearance. 
Pittsburgh has now lost three-straight matches for the second time this season.
The Hounds will look to get back on track next Saturday, June 18, against FC Montreal (1-9-0). Kick off is set for 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. For more information, visit Riverhounds.com.
Line-ups:
Riverhounds – Hunter Gilstrap – Jordan Murrell (Nick Kolarac 75′), Conor Branson, Willie Hunt, Drew Russell (Isaiah Schafer 41′) – Lebo Moloto (AlexNyarko Harlley 75′), Stephen Okai (Jack Thompson 33′), Mike Green, Kevin Kerr – Corey Hertzog, Duwayne Ewart (Zak Boggs 45′)
Subs not used: Mauricio Vargas, Karsten Smith
Richmond Kickers – Charlie Horton – William Yomby, Hugh Roberts, Braeden Troyer, Alex Lee – Fred Owusu Sekyere (Sunny Jane 69′), Michael Callahan (Luiz Fernando 58′), Lucas Paulini (Travis Pittman 85′), Yudai Imura – Jason Yeisley (Anthony Grant 58′), Brian Ownby (Jackson Eskay 76′)
Subs not used: Sawyer Gaffney, Sascha Gorres
Scoring Summary:
RIC – Conor Branson 17′ (own goal)
RIC – Hunter Gilstrap 20′ (own goal)
RIC – Anthony Grant 66′ (Fred Sekyere Owusu)
PGH – Corey Hertzog 90′ (Mike Green)
Pittsburgh Soccer Report’s John Krysinsky will provide his thoughts in “What We Learned” later this weekend.  

John Krysinsky

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).