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Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Hounds salvage 2-2 draw in wild finish at Swope Park

Photo credit: Swope Park Rangers/USL

The Riverhounds SC found themselves holding on to a 1-0 lead entering the final ten minutes of its match in its first-ever meeting against Swope Park Rangers at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday afternoon.

Then things got interesting.

Swope Park scored in the 83rd and 88th minutes to surge into the lead, but the Hounds bounced back in stoppage time, earning a penalty kick opportunity that first-year pro Anthony Velarde calmly converted to level the match that helped Pittsburgh (now 0-1-1) earn its first point of the season.

Match Report

“I feel like we created good chances today,” Hounds head coach Bob Lilley said. “It’s never ideal to drop points from a winning position, but I think based on the team we played I think we improved this week. Hopefully if we improve again next week, we get all three points.”

Hounds goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard made three big saves in the first half.

Making his professional debut, Lundgaard did what he could to keep the score even going into the half, batting a shot away from danger in the 8th minute and making a diving stop in the 30th minute.

The Hounds’ lone shot on goal in the first half came from the foot of forward Steevan Dos Santos. Swope Park goalkeeper Adrián Zendejas collected this attempt.

It was a back-and-forth second half with the Hounds striking first.

With a free kick from 20 yards from goal on the right side, Kenardo Forbes booted a ball into the box, connecting with Tobi Adewole, who put Pittsburgh up 1-0 in the 71st minute.

Afterward, the Rangers potted a couple tallies to take the lead. Their first goal came off the foot of Rodney Wallace, who blasted a hard shot past Lundgaard off a rebound in the 83rd minute. Swope Park later took the lead with a goal from the right foot of Kelyn Rowe, who beat Lundgaard from the right side of the six-yard box in the 88th minute.

As the game went into its final minutes, Christian Volesky provided the Hounds with a golden opportunity, drawing a foul inside of the 18-yard box. The Hounds then turned to rookie midfielder Velarde, who posted the penalty-kick equalizer to bring the score to its final of 2-2.

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Look for our Analysis and Player Grades on Sunday

What’s Next

Riverhounds SC will stay on the road to clash with in-state rival Bethlehem Steel FC (1-1-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at Talen Energy Stadium. This will mark the Hounds’ first-ever trip to Talen Energy Stadium.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Ben Lundgaard – Ryan James, Tobi Adewole, Joe Greenspan, Jordan Dover (Anthony Velarde 89’) – Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Mouhamed Dabo – Kenardo Forbes, Kevin Kerr (Christian Volesky 63’) – Neco Brett (Caleb Smith 75’), Steevan Dos Santos

Subs not used: Kyle Morton Noah Franke, Sammy Kahsai, Uchenna Uzo

Swope Park Rangers – Adrián Zendejas – Rodney Wallace, Mohammad Abualnadi, Graham Smith, Mark Segbers – Kelyn Rowe, Gedion Zelalem (Wan Kuzain 59’), Gianluca Busio – Tyler Freeman (Killian Colombie 68’), Wilson Harris (Ethan Vanacore-Decker75’), Jerome Ngom Mbekeli

Subs not used: Eric Dick, Alexsander Andrade, Felipe Hernandez, Camden Riley

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Tobi Adewole 71’ (Kenardo Forbes)

SPR – Rodney Wallace 83’

SPR – Kelyn Rowe 88’ (Killian Colombie)

PIT – Anthony Velarde 90’+1 (penalty)

Misconduct Summary:

PIT – Mouhamed Dabo 33’ (caution)

SPR – Killian Colom

 

(Photo credit:  Swope Park Rangers / USL) 

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).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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