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Pittsburgh Riverhounds

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 1, Hartford Athletic 1

Dillon Stadium will be the site of tonight's match (PSN File Photo by John Krysinsky)
USL Championship Atlantic Division

FINAL: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1, Hartford Athletic 1

MATCH CENTER

Match Summary

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC settled for a 1-1 draw against Atlantic Division foes Hartford Athletic after playing the final 10 minutes and stoppage time down a man at Dillon Stadium in Hartford, Conn.

“I was happy with the first half, and I think we were pretty good, ” Riverhounds Head Coach Bob Lilley said after the match. “I don’t think we can blame it on refs, because in the second half, we didn’t play well enough. We didn’t put in the energy and let them play a lot in our end.

How it Happened 

Hounds forward Russell Cicerrone’s goal in the 42nd minute broke the scoreless affair in a fairly even match.  Cicerone broke forward into the box to deliver a well-placed strike into the right corner after Tommy Williamson headed the ball to space beyond the Hartford defense. It was the first Hounds goal for 2021 signing Cicerone and the first professional assist for Williamson in his second pro match.

The Athletic fought back in the late moments of the match after Hounds captain and USL Championship’s all-time assist leader Kenardo Forbes was sent off in the 79th minute with a red card.

Hartford leveled the match in stoppage time against the 10-man Hounds side, on a free kick from Danny Berarra which was redirected by a header from Luka Prpa.

It was the first time the Hounds (0-1-1) failed to win in three matches at Dillon Stadium, though the draw put the first blemish on the record of Hartford (2-0-1) this season.

Forbes will now miss the Hounds home opener next week, as they return to action still seeking their first win of the season against Charlotte Independence on Saturday, May 22 at Highmark Stadium.

Riverhounds SC lineup (4-3-1-2) — Danny Vitiello; Preston Kilwien, Shane Wiedt, Mekeil Williams (Jelani Peters 76’), Jordan Dover; Todd Wharton (Louis Perez 90+3’), Kenardo Forbes, Danny Griffin; Russell Cicerone (Josh Gatt 76’); Alex Dixon (Dani Rovira 64’), Tommy Williamson (Albert Dikwa 64’)

Hartford Athletic lineup (4-3-3) — Jeff Caldwell; Gabriel Torres (Richie Schlentz 84’), Thomas Janjigian, Tulu, Alejandro Lara (Younes Boudadi 61’); Arthur Rogers (Luka Pipa 45’), Conor McGlynn, Danny Barrera; Bradford Jamieson IV, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr (Sebastian Elney 61’), Preston Tabort Etaka (Walmer Martinez 74’)

 

Scoring summary

PIT — Russell Cicerone 42’ (Tommy Williamson)

HFD — Luka Prpa 90+1’ (Danny Barrera)

Discipline summary

HFD — Alejandro Lara 18’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

HFD — Arthur Rogers 26’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

PIT — Danny Vitiello 53’ (caution – delaying restart)

PIT — Kenardo Forbes 78’ (sent off – violent conduct)

HFD — Connor McGlynn 90+3’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

Gameday Updates

Match ends, Hartford Athletic 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1.

90+6Second Half ends, Hartford Athletic 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1.

90+6Foul by Richie Schlentz (Hartford Athletic).

90+6Louis Pérez (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90+4Foul by Danny Barrera (Hartford Athletic).

90+4Albert Dikwa (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90+3Richie Schlentz (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90+3Foul by Albert Dikwa (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

90+3Substitution, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Louis Pérez replaces Todd Wharton.

90+2Conor McGlynn (Hartford Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

90+2Foul by Conor McGlynn (Hartford Athletic).

90+2Joshua Gatt (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

90+1Goal! Hartford Athletic 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1. Luka Prpa (Hartford Athletic) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Danny Barrera with a cross following a set piece situation.

90Walmer Martinez (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

90Foul by Joshua Gatt (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

86Foul by Luka Prpa (Hartford Athletic).

86Albert Dikwa (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

84Foul by Richie Schlentz (Hartford Athletic).

84Todd Wharton (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

84Substitution, Hartford Athletic. Richie Schlentz replaces Gabriel Torres.

83Walmer Martinez (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

83Foul by Daniel Rovira (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

83Thomas Janjigian (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

83Foul by Albert Dikwa (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

82Younes Boudadi (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing.

80′ — RED CARD!! Kenardo Forbes is sent off! Kenny was knocked to ground, but got up quickly and gave Younes Boudadi a chest bump and scuffle ensued. Uncharacteristic of the Hounds captain. Hounds playing down a man now. Sebastian Elney (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

71Foul by Shane Wiedt (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

68Foul by Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

68Gabriel Torres (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

66Corner, Hartford Athletic. Conceded by Shane Wiedt.

64Substitution, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Albert Dikwa replaces Thomas Williamson.

64Substitution, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Daniel Rovira replaces Alexander Dixon.

60′ – Hartford makes two changes. Boudadi in for Lara, Elney in for Obregon up top.

YELLOW — Pittsburgh goalie Danny Vitiello assessed a yellow card in the 53rd minute

No Hounds changes; Luka Prpa on for Arthur Rogers for Hartford. Rogers was on a card.

54Foul by Thomas Williamson (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

54Gabriel Torres (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

50Attempt blocked. Luka Prpa (Hartford Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Juan Carlos Obregón Jr.

50Foul by Juan Carlos Obregón Jr (Hartford Athletic).

50Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

49Foul by Thomas Williamson (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

49Gabriel Torres (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

47Attempt blocked. Alexander Dixon (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Todd Wharton.

HALFTIME:

Hounds hold shots edge (9-6, 3-1 on target)

45Foul by Conor McGlynn (Hartford Athletic).

45Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick on the right wing.

42Goal! Hartford Athletic 0, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1.

Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Thomas Williamson with a headed pass.

38Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

38Foul by Conor McGlynn (Hartford Athletic).

37Offside, Hartford Athletic. Thomas Janjigian tries a through ball, but Juan Carlos Obregón Jr is caught offside.

37Attempt missed. Danny Barrera (Hartford Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.

36Foul by Preston Kilwien (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

31Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick on the right wing.

29Foul by Juan Carlos Obregón Jr (Hartford Athletic).

29Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

29Attempt missed. Preston Kilwien (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Kenardo Forbes following a set piece situation.

28Foul by Bradford Jamieson (Hartford Athletic).

28Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick on the right wing.

26Arthur Rogers (Hartford Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

25Foul by Arthur Rogers (Hartford Athletic).

25Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

24Bradford Jamieson (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

24Foul by Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

22Thomas Janjigian (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

22Foul by Shane Wiedt (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

22Corner, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Conceded by Walid Yacoubou.

22Attempt blocked. Todd Wharton (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Daniel Griffin.

18Alejandro Lara (Hartford Athletic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

18Foul by Alejandro Lara (Hartford Athletic).

18Alexander Dixon (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

17Attempt missed. Juan Carlos Obregón Jr (Hartford Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Danny Barrera with a cross.

17Attempt blocked. Danny Barrera (Hartford Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

17Attempt blocked. Preston Tabort Etaka (Hartford Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

15′ – Wharton finds Dixon in space once again, and the ex-Hartford man tries for goal. The shot stings the hands of Caldwell, but it’s right at the GK, who parries it down easily and collects.

13Offside, Hartford Athletic. Conor McGlynn tries a through ball, but Juan Carlos Obregón Jr is caught offside.

11Attempt missed. Thomas Williamson (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is too high. Assisted by Jordan Dover.

10Foul by Juan Carlos Obregón Jr (Hartford Athletic).

10Preston Kilwien (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

10Attempt saved. Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Alexander Dixon.

7Gabriel Torres (Hartford Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

7Foul by Daniel Griffin (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC).

6Attempt missed. Jordan Dover (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Kenardo Forbes with a cross following a set piece situation.

4Foul by Walid Yacoubou (Hartford Athletic).

4Russell Cicerone (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) wins a free kick on the left wing.

4Attempt saved. Bradford Jamieson (Hartford Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Conor McGlynn.

6:20 p.m. — we already have lineups to share!

 

We’ll also have postgame recap and reaction here too.

Preview

The Hounds (0-1-0) are coming off a disappointing showing in their opening match last Saturday, a 3-0 loss at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, while Hartford (2-0-0) has a pair of one-goal wins to start the season on the front foot. Hartford most recently topped Miami FC last Saturday, 1-0.

With a new head coach, Harry Watling, and many new faces on the roster, Hartford is a different team than the side the Hounds faced three times last season. The Hounds won twice but lost their final meeting of the year, 1-0, which ended up being the difference in giving Hartford the Group F title over the second-place Hounds.

Alex Dixon, now with the Hounds, was Hartford’s leading scorer a season ago with six goals, but the home team still has some potency in attack with midfielder Danny Barrera (two goals, one assist in 2021) and striker Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (one goal in 2021). The Hounds, meanwhile, will be seeking to find the target more frequently than a week ago, when only one of the team’s seven shots — a Tommy Williamson free kick — was on goal.

The Hounds are 4-1-0 all-time against Hartford and have won both meetings between the teams at Dillon Stadium. Though they only have one game under their belt so far, the Hounds are one of three teams yet to record a point in the Atlantic Division standings, so getting something from the match will be critical to avoid digging an early hole in the playoff race.

PSN Riverhounds Coverage 

Preview: Hounds get Hartford Athletic for season’s second match

The Many Faces of Dan Visser

Hounds Notebook: ‘We have a lot of work to do’

 

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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