Brett sparks Hounds 2-1 comeback win at Richmond

Riverhounds 2, Richmond 1 – Final
USL Match Center

After numerous failed header attempts from close range, the Riverhounds came through with come-from-behind win over the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium on Saturday evening.

The comeback was sparked by second half substitute Neco Brett — who finished his header chance in the 72nd minute, then had a terrific pass that set up Romeo Parkes‘ game winner six minutes later.
“Obviously it’s nice to get those two goals after trailing,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “I think we played very well. It is disappointing that we didn’t get on top of the game, and obviously Richmond is very good on this field, all of their wins are here. We knew it would be difficult since we played Wednesday.”

The goals and the result ended the Hounds (now 5-1-6, 21 points) scoring drought in league play that extended more than 200 minutes.

Despite a dominant effort for much of the first half, and conceding a goal on a Richmond counter in the 53rd minute, the Riverhounds continued to apply enough pressure, and finally broke through when it counted.

Things didn’t look too good though when Hounds coach Bob Lilley almost had an assist retrieving ball that went out in the 53rd minute. After Hounds moved into the box, forward Romeo Parkes was knocked to the ground and the ball was quickly cleared setting up a counter.

A great run from Brian Shriver saw him get on the end of a through ball, squaring it for early substitute that Luiz Fernando who finished it off.

"Can you hear the drums Fernando" ????

Luiz Fernando gives @RichmondKickers the lead!#RICvPGH pic.twitter.com/L37mHkdwPn

— USL (@USL) June 3, 2018

After a 10 minute delay to the start of the match where the Hounds were the stronger possession side (55%-45%) and used the width of the field to whip in 30 crosses — they stalled in getting quality shots on frame.

In the first half alone, Parkes, Kevin Kerr, Thomas Vancaeyezeele and Hugh Roberts all had header attempts inside the 18 that missed the goal in the first 45 minutes.

Only Kerr’s right footed shot attempt from the top of the box in the 20th minute forced Richmond’s keeper Trevor Spangenberg to make a save.

After surrendering the game’s first goal, the Hounds kept the pressure on.

Kenardo Forbes unleashed an absolute stinger right to center of goal but right at Spangenberg in 60th minute.

Richmond almost took advantage of the Hounds who were bringing numbers forward in the 66th minute with another counter chance on its big field. This time Heviel Cordoves was tracked down by the Hounds back line — settling for shot from 22 yards — and missed it to the left.

Shortly after that, Lilley used his first substitution to bring in his best goal scorer this season as Brett entered the match for defender Todd Pratzner.

Parkes then drew a foul on edge of box and the ensuring free kick by Forbes forced Spangenberg to make a diving save.

Finally, the Hounds broke through a few minutes later.

Brett came flying into the goal box with a no-doubt about it header that connected from a nice cut-back pass from the end line from Kerr

It was similar play that Kerr and Brett hooked up on a few times already this season. The play started with a long cross from Ray Lee, then Kerr was able to redirect it back to center of the box.

Get in there! @necobrettj tallies his team-leading sixth goal of the season. @KevinKerr89 on the assist – his team-leading third. #RICvPGH pic.twitter.com/r5iqFhfv4S

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) June 3, 2018

Moments after the goal, Kerr looked for more — with a fantastic low shot that almost found its way inside the lower right side, but Spengelberg made a diving save.

Brett then became the play maker in the 78th minute.

It was Parkes who overpowered Richmond’s Mikiel Willams to get to the ball and toe-tap it in after a terrific feed from Brett.

And just like that your Hounds are ahead! @romeoparkes36 and @necobrettj with the Jamaican Connection. #RICvPGH ???????? pic.twitter.com/P7910X76BV

— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) June 3, 2018

As the Hounds held on to the lead — Richmond’s Oscar Umar took down Ben Zemanski to draw a straight red card, giving the Hounds a man advantage for the final six minutes of the match.

Despite the Hounds dominance for much of the first half, they conceded three corner kicks to Richmond in a two-minute span, and needed a big save from keeper Dan Lynd.

The Hounds can now enjoy some rest time — after playing six games in a three week span.

They will return to action on Saturday, June 14, when they will host NY Red Bulls 2 at Highmark Stadium (7 p.m. kickoff).

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Dan Lynd – Ray Lee, Todd Pratzner (Neco Brett 66’), Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Hugh Roberts, Jordan Dover – Ben Zemanski, Kenardo Forbes – Kevin Kerr (Andrew Lubahn 90+1’), Romeo Parkes (Tobi Adewole 83’), Christiano François

Subs not used: Mike Kirk, Dennis Chin, Noah Franke, Joe Holland

Richmond Kickers – Trevor Spangenberg – Alex Lee, Conor Shanosky, Mekeil Williams, Austin Yearwood – Oscar Umar, Braeden Troyer (Luiz Fernando 36’) – Christopher Osei-Wusu, Yudai Imura, Brian Shriver (Fred Owusu Sekyere 77’) – Heviel Cordovès

Subs not used: Eric Klenofsky, Raul Gonzalez, Neil Hlavaty, Mallan Roberts, Scott Thomsen

Scoring
53’ – RIC – Luiz Fernando (Brian Shriver)
72’ – PGH – Neco Brett (Kevin Kerr)
79’ – PGH – Romeo Parkes (Neco Brett)

#RICvPGH: Highlights and Opta Box Score

The 99th Minute

• Bob Lilley doesn’t lose often, and almost never loses back-to-back games, this victory continuing a trend for Lilley, who has only lost back-to-back games three times since 2015.
• It was the first win for the Hounds over Richmond since May 23, 2015, when they also won at City Stadium.
• This was the first come-from-behind win of the season for the Hounds who have only trailed for an approximate total of 55 minutes in 12 games this season. In seven of the last nine matches the Richmond Kickers have scored first, showing that they can start well.