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Riverhounds Reaction: Second half set piece goal barrage leads to third straight win

Jelani Peters scored twice for the Hounds vs Miami on Saturday. Photo courtesy Mark Goodman

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.

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 2, The Miami FC 2

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 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

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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