Despite taking early lead, Hounds settle for draw vs Akron

Photo courtesy Jared D. Todhunter

From Riverhounds SC report 

At the end of the first half on Saturday, the Riverhounds SC appeared well on its way to picking up its first preseason win in two weeks. 

However, they would ultimately settle for a 2-2 draw against the University of Akron, on Saturday at Highmark Stadium in its fifth match of the preseason.

Mark Forrest and trialist Danny Griffin posted first-half goals for the Hounds whereas Akron responded with a pair of goals in the second half. 

So, if you’re keeping track of preseason results, the Hounds are holding a 2-1-2 record. 

The biggest issue on Saturday came from its inability to control possession, especially after taking a 2-0 lead.

“We need to do a better job of keeping the ball,” assistant coach Dan Visser said. “It’s always a situation where you need to make the correct choice. I think we’ve tilted the scale toward trying to get behind and we haven’t developed a rhythm. That’s something we need to get better at.”

In the 39th minute, the Hounds scored first. Forrest’s shot from inside the penalty box gave the Hounds the 1-0 advantage. Just five minutes later, Griffin gave the club a 2-0 lead. The midfielder scored from in-close, beating the Akron goalkeeper.

In the second half, Akron mounted a comeback. The Zips scored their first goal in the 60th minute, placing a shot into the bottom-right corner. The squad scored its second goal just five minutes later, as they dropped a shot in over the head of goalkeeper Anthony Mwembia.

Riverhounds SC continues preseason action against Loudoun United FC at 12 p.m. on Wednesday at Highmark Stadium. 

** Editors Note — on Friday, we published the latest update of Hounds invitees provided to us by the club on Tuesday.

By Friday, there were three additional players in camp that joined the club, and played in Saturday’s scrimmage:  Hunter Ashworth, Patrick Bunk-Anderson and John Waller. 

Riverhounds SC Lineups:

TR – Trialist 

First Half: 

Tomas Gomez (GK -TR)  – Ryan James, Jerry Wiltshire (TR), Skylar Thomas (TR) (Hunter Ashworth – TR), Patrick Bunk-Anderson (TR), Jordan Dover – Kenardo Forbes, Robbie Mertz, Danny Griffin (TR) – Lukas Fernandes, Mark Forrest

Second Half:

Anthony Mwembia – Ryan James (Dani Rovira), Hunter Ashworth (TR), Skylar Thomas (TR), Jerry Wilshire (TR) (Patrick Bunk-Anderson – TR), Jordan Dover [Mario Mastrangelo TR (John Waller TR)] – Kenardo Forbes (Tony Walls), Robbie Mertz (Xhelil Asani), Danny Griffin (TR) (Sean MacLeod TR) – Lukas Fernandes (Anthony Velarde), Mark Forrest (Steevan Dos Santos)