Forbes lands on all-USL team for second time this season

Riverhounds SC midfielder Kenardo Forbes has been named to USL Team of the Week after netting the game-winning goal in a 4-1 victory over Bethlehem Steel FC this past Friday at Highmark Stadium.

Conceding a late penalty in the first half, the Hounds looked to be headed into the half locked in a 1-1 tie with Steel FC. Forbes had other thoughts, receiving the ball just outside the top-left of the penalty box from forward Neco Brett. The midfielder uncorked a rocket of a shot into the upper-90 to retake a lead that would remain permanent for the Hounds.

Brett showed patience after taking a touch just inside the left side of the box, then laying the ball off for his play making midfielder, Forbes.

The veteran, Forbes, then let one fly, with a shot that buzzed into the right corner that Steel FC goalkeeper John McCarthy had no chance to stop.

KING KENNY‼️

Bet you didn't see that coming. #PGHvBST pic.twitter.com/eVmINAdk1p

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) September 7, 2018

Forbes made sure that Brett knew he was there.

“I kept calling to him the whole time. I said, ‘Neco wait, wait for me.’ He did and luckily he passed it to me, and we got a goal. I saw that they gave me a lot of space and I didn’t see a pass immediately, so I decided to shoot, and luckily it went in.”

The game-winning tally covered an overall strong game from the Jamaican, as he led the team with three shots on goal and five key passes in addition to tying for the team lead in possessions won with nine. His distribution was further highlighted by completing 55 of 66 passes successfully.

Forbes’ first year in Black and Gold has been massively successful after spending three seasons with the Rochester Rhinos. The former All-League player leads the club with eight assists – eclipsing his previous career high of five – to go along with his two goals this season – both game-winners. Forbes also currently leads USL in key passes category — accounting for 40 this season.

The weekly honor marks the second time Forbes has made the league’s best XI and the 13th time overall a Hound has been named to USL Team of the Week.

HOUNDS NAMED TO TEAM OF THE WEEK

Kenardo Forbes: Week 26 – September 11
Neco Brett: Week 21 – August 7 (Player of the Week)
Hugh Roberts: Week 21 – August 7
Joe Greenspan: Week 17 – July 10
Kenardo Forbes: Week 16 – July 3
Hugh Roberts: Week 15 – June 26
Romeo Parkes: Week 10 – May 22
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)

 

Next up on the pitch for Forbes and company is a marquee match up this weekend against Louisville City FC at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Highmark Stadium.

For more information on the USL Team of the Week for Week 26, visit USLsoccer.com.