The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC stunned the Hartford Athletic late in the contest between the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference clubs going in different directions, as defender Shane Wiedt scored a wonder strike in the dying moments of stoppage time at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, CT on Saturday night.
The win pushed the Hounds (11-6-4, 37 points) into sole possession of fourth place in the Conference standings, two points ahead of Detroit, who salvaged a 2-2 draw vs New Mexico on Saturday. Meanwhile, the loss further exemplified the tough season that the Athletic have endured, dropping them to 4-12-4 on the season.
The Hounds were trailing 1-0, thanks to another fantastic goal, as Hartford’s Conon McGlynn gave the home side the lead in the 56th minute, hitting a terrific ball from 27 yards that beat Pittsburgh keeper Jahmali Waite.
Thanks to both second half subs, Robbie Mertz and Russell Cicerone, the Hounds responded with the equalizer in the 74th minute.
Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s John Krysinsky, Jordan Smith and Matt Popchock shared their reaction on Riverhounds Postgame, on Pittsburgh Sports Live.
Riverhounds Postgame on Pittsburgh Sports Live with John, Jordan and Matt
#HFDvPIT Twitter Reaction
@wiedt_bread23 stop that lad 🤩😳 https://t.co/IH0aUGoRDl
— Preston Kilwien (@preston_kilwien) July 24, 2022
g+ GameFlow: USL Championship Regular Season @hfdathletic v @RiverhoundsSC on July 23, 2022. #FortressHartford #UNLEASH #HFDvPIT pic.twitter.com/WJVBNucxsS
— GameFlow (@GameFlowxPG) July 24, 2022
What a crass ending, injury time winner… What a crazy ending. #HFDvPIT #USL
— Absurde_Existenz (@Wiesel_Flink) July 24, 2022
@Tuffy_Shall BOOM! 👊👊
(And now to cool off.) 🥵 https://t.co/WcpeU5X5kA
— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) July 24, 2022
Fascinating stat as the match goes to stoppage time, that the Hounds now have eight goals scored by subs this season.
You think this coaching staff knows how to make adjustments? #HFDvPIT
— John Krysinsky (@JohnKrysinsky) July 24, 2022
Man, @RussellCicerone got hops! Nice header for the equalizer! #HFDvPIT #Unleash #Houndtahn
— Jason S (@Jason617) July 24, 2022
Only six players had ever scored 25 goals as a member of the Hounds…@RussellCicerone is the seventh. And was it ever a big one from the @robbiemertz14 cross!#HFDvPIT #HOUNDTAHN pic.twitter.com/5z3hXptmkc
— Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) July 24, 2022
In his last 10 matches with @atlutd2 — Robbie Mertz had 3 goals and 5 assists. He's been playing at all-@USLChampionship level.
Has brought a lot of positive energy, along with Russ Cicerone too in this second half. #HFDvPIT
— John Krysinsky (@JohnKrysinsky) July 24, 2022
The Hounds excel at expected goals.
— Dave Biesecker (@Constipatedoody) July 24, 2022
Conor McGlynn doesn't score many goals, but when he does they tend to be absolutely thumped.
Talented family, there. #HFDvPIT #DOOP #FutbolAmericas https://t.co/FQVh5orkJt
— Nicholas Murray (@NJEMurray) July 24, 2022