Hertzog early goal helps Hounds draw with FC Cincinnati

Hertzog early goal helps Hounds draw with FC Cincinnati

September 3, 2017 | By Rachael McKriger

Corey Hertzog has added his name to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds record books.

With his 3’ minute goal against FC Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon – assisted by Chevaughn Walsh – Hertzog now has scored the most goals in a Riverhounds uniform by a United States-born player.

Hertzog now has 24 career goals with the Riverhounds.

The goal was crucial, not just for the record books, but for the Riverhounds USL Eastern Conference playoff push.

The Riverhounds currently sit in 10th place, holding on to 34 points. There’s stiff competition in the Eastern Conference, as FC Cincinnati is currently holding on to the last playoff position with 35 points.

In between the Riverhounds and FC Cincinnati are the Bethlehem Steel FC, who also have 34 points.

On Saturday night, the Riverhound split the points with FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium in a 1-1 draw. The Riverhounds now hold an unbeaten streak of five games.

FC Cincinnati didn’t pressure the Riverhounds as much in this match. Matt Perrella, Riverhounds goalkeeper, only had to make one save against Jimmy McLaughlin.

However, it was Andrew Wiedeman that scored the equalizing goal in the 40’ minute. The goal was unassisted.

The Riverhounds did have another positive in caution cards. After being shown four yellow cards in the first half of their match against Bethlehem last weekend, the Riverhounds only had one yellow card shown to Jamal Jack in the 90’+ minute.

As for FC Cincinnati, goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt (34’), Kenney Walker (50’) and Harrison Delbridge (82’) all received yellow cards.

Coach Brandt - Riverhounds - Mon Goals - BGN
Coach Brandt

Of note for the Riverhounds, this match was the fourth in a row where head coach Dave Brandt elected to use the same starting lineup (outside of goalkeeper). It was Perrella’s second-straight start in goal, due to injuries plaguing goalkeepers Trey Mitchell and Keasel Broome.

Perrella’s backup is Alex Kapp, whom the Riverhounds received on loan from Minnesota United FC during the week. He is the second player to come from the MLS club, as the Riverhounds had defender Joseph Greenspan on loan in the beginning of the season.

“Given our injury issues at the goalkeeper position, we’re very happy to have Alex in from Minnesota,” Brandt said. “He’s an excellent young keeper – very quick, athletic and also very tactically aware. We’re looking forward to working with him and grateful to Minnesota for sending him our way.”

The Riverhounds will return to Highmark Stadium on Saturday to host Louisville City FC, who currently sit at No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.

The match is slated to take place at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.

Mike Sparks

In addition to watching, coaching, and occasionally playing soccer, Mike also enjoys talking all things soccer over at the Mon Goals podcast. Go give the show a listen and let him know what you think