The Riverhounds SC finally broke away and earned a big victory against a quality opponent, and one that’s been a nemesis for the past year-plus, by defeating The Miami FC, 4-1, on Saturday night before a nice crowd of 4,702 fans at Highmark Stadium.
The Hounds took the early lead when they connected with some terrific work following a long Jahmali Waite goal kick that forward Albert Dikwa was able to win in the air and redirect toward midfielder Toby Sims.
Sims did some clever work to beat a defender, then Miami’s goalkeeper Connor Sparrow to the ball to make a deft pass into the goal box that allowed for Russell Cicerone to knock into goal.
“The first goal today meant a lot,ecause I don’t know that either team separated themselves in the first half.”” Riverhounds Head Coach Bob Lilley said.
Holding on to a 1-0 lead at the half, the Hounds came out pushing hard for an elusive second goal.
In the two most recent home wins (in May against Birmingham and El Paso), and also on Wednesday against Indy Eleven, they held on for narrow, 1-0 victories.
Finally, on Saturday, the Hounds not only got the second goal, they poured it on with a barrage of set peice conversations, with Peters scoring twice, then Wiedt, who came in as a sub, also burned the disorganized Miami group for goal number four.
“The first one, their guy was all over me, so I kind of lost it,” Peters said.
“But then I saw the ball, and it just came to me, and I was free. I [thought] 100% goal for sure.”
Also having a good night was Hounds captain Kenardo Forbes, who bagged two more assists to his all-time USL Championship leading total that now stands at 52 assists.
After bagging his 50th regular season assist last weekend, @KenardoF has two tonight to take the season lead with seven as of typing.
It's still a very fluid situation… #PITvMIA #HOUNDTAHN https://t.co/NF8uCNmMNf
— Nicholas Murray (@NJEMurray) July 10, 2022
After six matches, the Hounds finally got a leg up on The Miami FC. Heading into Saturday’s tilt, the Hounds were just 1-2-2 against the Eastern Conference foes from South Beach.
Now they’re 11 points clear of their nemesis, and they can focus on climbing up higher.
After the match, Pittsburgh Soccer Now‘s Jordan Smith caught up with defenders Jelani Peters and Shane Wiedt, who combined for three second half goals that helped give the Hounds a commanding win on home turf.
POST MATCH REACTION ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS LIVE
#PITvMIA TWITTER REACTION
WATCH ▶️ A brace from Jelani Peters leads Pittsburgh Riverhounds to a 4-1 win over Miami FC. In the 49th minute, Peters steers a powerful header past the goalkeeper from a corner. He then follows that up with a screamer of a shot from 12 yards out. pic.twitter.com/piaxKdzrJ3
— Soca Warriors 🇹🇹 (@socawarriors) July 10, 2022
Conclusion at the end of the game… Strong game, with decisive corners & air superiority… 2 header goals & 2 well-played goals make the difference. The goal in overtime was unnecessary. But it can be built on. #PITvMIA #USL
— Absurde_Existenz (@Wiesel_Flink) July 10, 2022
I Love This View #Houndtahn #PITvMIA pic.twitter.com/XetVXehUPu
— Mike (@OneCheck37) July 10, 2022
In my Hounds Notebook this week, I wrote that I had a feeling they would break out and get a big win vs Miami tonight, but not even sure I saw this coming. #PITvMIA
— John Krysinsky (@JohnKrysinsky) July 10, 2022
Flipped on the Riverhounds game vs Miami a couple of minutes ago. Pitt's up 4-0 now. But the 3rd goal is the one I thought was really good, & different. Included a back-heel behind the wall that was positioned well. Wonder if other USL [men & women], MLS, & NWSL teams took note.
— James Marusak (@hpbear149den) July 10, 2022
Thanks to Gabriel for the awesome video of @dlallen9 singing the National Anthem for the Riverhounds!! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/7PPoladeL5
— BDTAllen (@BDTAllen) July 10, 2022
Final – Chapman-Page the CB scores off a rebound during stoppage time. Riverhounds give up the shut out but they secure the win here tonight 4-1. Put on an absolute clinic. Miami really only had two chances all night long. #PITvMIA @pghsoccernow @JohnKrysinsky @PopchockSays
— Jordan Smith (@JSmith_1187) July 10, 2022
Expected Goals via Opta@RiverhoundsSC – 2.39@TheMiamiFC – 1.53@RiverhoundsSC have won three in a row and @kenardoF is up to seven assists this season. Things certainly seem like they're back on track at Highmark. #PITvMIA https://t.co/tIM5iB8vxN
— Nicholas Murray (@NJEMurray) July 10, 2022