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Pittsburgh Riverhounds

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 4, Ottawa 0

Photo courtesy Ottawa Fury FC / USL

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 4, Ottawa Fury FC 0

USL Championship Match Center

Box Score

Game Summary

The Riverhounds SC didn’t waste any time — and took care of business by rolling past Ottawa Fury in one of its most dominant performances of the season.

With the win, Pittsburgh improves its record to 13-4-8, good for 47 points.

“I think we had a good game plan,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “We took some things we did well in the first game. We had a great team effort, and Ottawa’s still always on the verge of something. It was nice to get a couple goals and have a little bit of breathing room.”

“I felt we showed a lot of discipline to stick with the game plan. I think it was a mature performance for us and came at a good time.”

Just inside of two minutes they were gifted a golden chance when Ottawa center back Dakota Barnathan turned the ball over deep inside his own half.  Pittsburgh took advantage with a quick counter attack that saw Brett slide a pass to Steevan Dos Santos, who beat Callum Irving with a well-placed shot to open the scoring against his former club.

The two combined to find the back of the net again just nine minutes later as Dos Santos won the initial header off a long ball from Pittsburgh goalkeeper Kyle Morton and Brett settled it perfectly before beating his defender and firing a right-footed shot past Callum Irving into the bottom left-corner.

The Hounds made it three on 34 minutes when Ryan James intercepted a pass on the left wing and played a chipped through ball to Dos Santos, who played another perfectly lofted pass across the six-yard box for Brett to crash home from close range. Irving made a strong save on Joe Greenspan from in close to keep the deficit at three with 13 minutes remaining.

Pittsburgh found its fourth in sensational fashion as Fury FC substitute Aidan Daniels left the ball behind just inside his own half and Sammy Kahsai picked it up and lobbed the Ottawa goalkeeper from the edge of the center circle to round out a resounding win.

Matchday Updates

FINAL | RIVERHOUNDS WIN 4-0

Kahsai’s goal…

85′ | GOAL – RIVERHOUNDS – 4-0 – Sammy Kahsai

Sammy Kahsaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii takes care of another Ottawa turnover — and lofts it over the keeper who was off his line. now 4-0 Hounds. First career professional goal for Kahsai.

78′ | Volesky’s deflection is saved by Callum Irving.

73′ | Christian Volesky enters match, out comes Steevan Dos Santos

Hounds defending well in second half — keeping the 3-0 lead.

With 18 interceptions, its as if the Hounds KNOW everything Ottawa’s trying to do in this match.

Pittsburgh, leading USL Championship in conversion rate — made the most of every chance they had, even though they only had 43% possession, no corners, three crosses — and scored on three of seven shots.

MATCH NOTE: Neco Brett joins Corey Hertzog as the only players in club history to post back-to-back seasons with at least 10 goals.

beginning of second half – Sammy Kahsai enters for Mo Dabo

HALF – RIVERHOUNDS LEAD 3-0

It’s been a dominant 45 minute for Pittsburgh, who’ve shown why they lead the USL Championship in conversion rate.

Here’s Brett’s second goal.

7:41 – GOAL – RIVERHOUNDS

Again, it’s Dos Santos to Brett. Nice chipped ball to far post from Dos Santos, and Brett takes care of it for his second of game, and now team leading 10th of season.

Here’s the first Neco Brett goal…

7:19 – GOAL – RIVERHOUNDS – Neco Brett (11′)

This time Brett finds room to maneuver into the box, then rips the carpet for a terrific low finish.

7:17 – nice chance for Ottawa’s Oliveria, but bending shot from just inside 18

Here’s the goal…

7:09 – GOAL – RIVERHOUNDS – 1-0 – Steevan Dos Santos (3′)

Once again, they don’t waste any time. Take advantage of terrible @OttawaFuryFC mistake, and Steevan Dos Santos gets a quick goal tucking it inside left post after nice ball from Neco Brett. Second time in as many games Brett sets up Dos Santos early. 3′

Here’s the Hounds starting XI

and Ottawa’s XI + bench:

 

Match Details

Friday, Aug. 30 | 7 p.m.

TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON

Streaming: ESPN+

 

Here’s John Krysinsky’s anticipated Riverhounds SC’s starting XI

Goalkeeper – Kyle Morton

Defenders – Joe Greenspan, Tobi Adewole, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Jordan Dover, Ryan James

Midfielders – Kenardo Forbes, Kevin Kerr, Robbie Mertz

Forwards – Steevan Dos Santos, Neco Brett

Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s Riverhounds SC coverage this week:

Riverhounds SC Notebook: Preparing for Fury

View From The Booth: Hounds ‘shape up’ with Tommy V

Analysis & Player Grades: Too close for Hounds’ comfort

Related Topics

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).

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Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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