VINCENT HAT TRICK HELPS HOUNDS END THREE-GAME SKID

Rob Vincent’s Hat Trick Helped Push the Riverhounds past Wilmington to end a three-game losing streak.

Led by three goals from their leading scorer, Rob Vincent, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds blanked USL rival Wilmington Hammerheads, 3-0, on Saturday at Highmark Stadium to end their three-game losing streak before a near sellout crowd.
On a night when the Riverhounds honored an English-born soccer star, Paul Child, who made a special mark here in Pittsburgh over the years — it was their current English goal scoring wiz that stole the show with his first-ever pro hat trick.
By bringing his league season total to 16 goals, Vincent catapults back into a tie for the USL’s lead with OKC FC’s Danni Konig, while the Riverhounds gained a much needed three points as they remain inside the playoff line of the Eastern Conference standings.

“It’s a great feeling, but the best thing was we were able to get back on track,” said Vincent.

Vincent’s first goal in the 20th minute came courtesy of a terrific pass from Kevin Kerr, whom he’s played so well with all season long.   Kerr, from the right side of the box, found Vincent breaking toward the goal with a simple pass on the ground that was converted with a clinical one-time finish.

“Very rarely do I score individual goals. I usually rely on good passes.  It’s nice to be on the end of them, and nice to score as many as I have.   I couldn’t do it without the guys around me,” said Vincent.

It was Kerr’s eighth assist — also good for a tie for the USL lead along with LA Galaxy II’s Raul Mendiola.
After taking a 1-0 lead, the Riverhounds were unable to convert for the rest of the first half and for much of the second frame.
They relied on workmanlike performance from a make-shift back line that consisted of veterans like Willie Hunt, Fejiro Okiomah, Sterling Flunder and Matt Dallman — and solid goalkeeping from rookie Calle Brown, who picked up his fourth clean sheet of the season on a night when Head Coach Mark Steffens wanted to emphasize defending as a team.

“That was very big for us.  We asked our veterans to step up, and they did,” said Steffens.
“When you’re in a three-game spin like we were, that’s where you start.  On the defensive side.”

The Hammerheads, who’ve only scored three goals in their past eleven matches, were pushing forward, threatening the Riverhounds at various stages.

“They only kept two center backs behind, and were pushing everyone else forward,” observed Steffens.

Early in the match, it was Qudus Lawal who was giving Hounds defenders fits, as he broke through for a few opportunities but couldn’t convert.
In the 42nd minute, Wilmington came awfully close to getting the equalizer, as Brown robbed Mark Godelman with spectacular diving save, reaching to his left on an inward bending shot.

“Calle was very good tonight.  He came up with two or three big saves with the game on the line — and kept us one up,” said Steffens, praising his first year goalkeeper.
“I wasn’t happy with how we were defending in the first half.  I came in at halftime and I wasn’t pleased. It was important to make some adjustments — which we did.  I asked our back four to tighten up, and keep their shape.  Once they did that, I felt that’s when the match turned in our favor.”

Despite some added pressure in the second half, Brown and the Riverhounds defense kept their composure, while facing six corner kicks and a few dangerous crosses.

Still, the match remained tight, as Wilmington threatened on consecutive sequences in the 80th minute, getting runs behind the right side of the Hounds defense, but again failed to get a quality shot on goal.
The Hounds would finally break through as Vincent took matters into his own hands.
After receiving a pass from Lebo Moloto in the 86th minute, Vincent made a run just inside the left edge of the box, beating the Hammerheads defender with a little move to the right, then to the left end line where he had space, unleashing a shot from an extremely tight angle, putting it past the Hammerheads keeper Andre Rawls, giving the Hounds a more comfortable 2 goal edge.
In stoppage time, Vincent added another goal to complete the hat trick.  He was assisted by Dallman, who passed up an open shot to get the ball to Vincent, who simply passed the ball into net past a diving Rawls, who had little chance.

It was an important win for the Riverhounds (8-8-4, 28 points), in ending a three-game losing skid to remain in position to earn a playoff spot with eight games remaining.  It was especially satisfying after a tough loss at Harrisburg on Sunday, surrendering a two-goal lead and playing with a man advantage.

“Everyone was pretty down.  It was the lowest point we had been this season.  It was pretty hard to stomach afterwards,” said Vincent.
“But he (Steffens) was getting on us to believe in ourselves again.  Had us remember things we’ve done well.  The games against Red Bulls, Toronto, where we passed it around well.  Kind of gave us that belief again.   Tonight, it took us some time to get going, but once we did, we did well.”

Riverhounds Starting eleven and subs included:    Brown (G), Okiomah (Miro Cabrilo 87′), Hunt, Dallman, Flunder (Tyler Pasher 68′), Stephen Okai (Nick Kolarec 88′), Danny Earls, Vincent, Kerr, Moloto (Amara Soumah 87′).

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).