Hounds drop match against Louisville FC, 0-3

September 10, 2017 | By Rachael McKriger

A five-game unbeaten streak is no more.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds hosted Louisville City FC on Saturday night at Highmark Stadium. The Riverhounds fell to Louisville, 0-3, in front of their home fans.

Points are crucial for the Riverhounds right now. They currently sit in 10th place in the USL Eastern Conference. Louisville City FC sits in the No. 1 slot, already locked for a playoff spot, with 50 points.

As for the Hounds, they’re fighting with the Bethlehem Steel FC, FC Cincinnati and Orlando City B for a playoff position.

Losing three points at home doesn’t help, but what does help is few yellow cards. The only yellow card of the match was shown to midfielder Victor Souto in the 51’ minute.

“It’s going to need to be one of those things that we rebound from,” Riverhounds Head Coach Dave Brandt said. “We have no choice. That’s what you need to do. Louisville City has presented a challenge for us all year. They’re the only team in the Eastern Conference we haven’t taken points off of.”

Louisville City ended up winning the match with three goals scored by Luke Spencer (33’), Kyle Smith (43’) and Devon Williams (54’). Williams’ goal was a converted penalty kick against goalkeeper Matt Perrella.

“That was really the killer blow,” Brandt said.

Keeping with his usual line up, Brandt started Perrella in goal, and gave him Ritchie Duffie, Taylor Washington, Jamal Jack and Tobi Adewole on defense. In the midfield, Man of the Match Kevin Kerr was joined by Souto, Romeo Parkes and Stephen Okai. Chevaughn Walsh and Corey Hertzog were the two forwards.

Perrella was taken out of goal in the 86’ minute in favor for Alex Kapp, a loanee from Minnesota United FC of the MLS.

Perrella and Kapp both made one save each, denying Richard Ballard and Spencer.

For Louisville, goalkeeper Gregory Ranjitsingh made two saves to deny Walsh and Parkes.

The Riverhounds will return to Highmark Stadium on Saturday to host the Rochester Rhinos. The Rhinos currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points.

The match is slated for a 7 p.m. kick off time.