FROM USL/Pittsburgh Riverhounds Reports
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (July 10, 2016) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2-9-4) were unable to find the back of the net in their first match in franchise history against Bethlehem Steel FC (5-5-6), falling 2-0 on the road at Goodman Stadium.
Failing to score for a second-straight match, the loss marked the first time since May 17, 2014 the Hounds have been shutout in back-to-back matches. Pittsburgh has now been shutout five times this season in league play after being shut out once during the 2015 campaign.
Tallying the goals for the Steel were Cory Burke in the 24th minute and Leo Fernandes on a penalty kick in extra time in the second half.
The Steel controlled possession for most of the contest, outshooting Pittsburgh 13-to-5, including four shots on goal to Pittsburgh’s three. Burke’s goal in the first half came thanks to a failed clear by Pittsburgh just outside the box. The ball took an unfortunate bounce towards the right side of the net, as both Burke and goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap chased to gain possession. Burke was able to reach first, firing a shot past Gilstrap for the first tally of the match.
Wholesale changes were made for the Hounds to start the second half, as Conor Branson, Willie Hunt and Ben Swanson replaced Zak Boggs, Jack Thompsonand Lebo Moloto, respectively. The substitutions proved not enough as the Steel continued to pour on relentless pressure on the Hounds defense, eventually converting a match-ending penalty kick for the 2-0 final.
Pittsburgh’s best chance of the match came early after Moloto was able to find Kevin Kerr on a deep ball into the Steel’s defensive end. Attacking from the left, Kerr fired a solid shot on goalkeeper John McCarthy, whose save ricocheted directly to Boggs. Boggs though was unable to capitalize, pushing his shot high of the goal.
PIttsburgh Soccer Report’s John Krysinsky will be sharing his game takeaways on Monday.
The Hounds now return home to kick off a three-match homestand against the Richmond Kickers (6-6-5) on Thursday, July 14.
Line-ups:
Riverhounds – Hunter Gilstrap – Marshall Hollingsworth, Ryan Adeleye (Drew Russell 77′), Sergio Campbell, Mike Green (Nick Thompson 80′) – Danny Earls, Kevin Kerr, Zak Boggs (Conor Branson 46′), Jack Thompson (Willie Hunt 46′) – Lebo Moloto (Ben Swanson 46′), Corey Hertzog
Subs not used: Mauricio Vargas, Jordan Murrell
Bethlehem Steel FC – John McCarthy – Ryan Richter, Mickey Daly, Austin Trusty, Taylor Washington – Akinyode Boluwatife, James Chambers (Gabe Gissie 80′), Derrick Jones – Leo Fernandes, Cole Missimo (Josh Heard 71′), Cory Burke (Jamie Luchini 89′)
Subs not used: Samir Badr, Nick Bibbs, Fred, Amoy Brown
Scoring Summary:
BST – Cory Burke 24′
BST – Leo Fernandes 90’+ (penalty)
Misconduct Summary:
PGH – Ryan Adeleye 59′ (caution)
BST – Derrick Jones 70′ (caution) – Danny Earls 85′ (caution)
BST – Taylor Washington 85′ (caution)
BST – Gabriel Gissie 87′ (caution) information on the Hounds’ upcoming matches, visit Riverhounds.com.
