Riverhounds drop crucial match against Steel FC, 3-2

September 25, 2017 | By Rachael McKriger

Points are crucial right now in the USL.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds know that. They currently sit close to playoff position in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

On Saturday, the Riverhounds traveled to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to face the Steel FC. The Steel managed to gain all three points in front of their home fans with a 3-2 victory.

The loss drops the Riverhounds back to 11th place with 35 points. Sitting in the last playoff slot is the Steel, with 38 points. In between are the New York Red Bulls II in ninth and St. Louis FC. in 10th place.

The Riverhounds went down 3-1 in the first half. The Steel FC had goals scored by Adam Najem (5’) and Cory Burke (8’ and 37’).

The Riverhounds’ lone first half goal was scored by Corey Hertzog on a 40’ minute penalty kick.

Hertzog struck again in the second half, this time assisted by Chevaughn Walsh, in the 64’ minute.

Each side was shown two yellow cards each. The Riverhounds had their yellow cards shown to Stephen Okai and Jamal Jack while the Steel FC’s recipients were Auston Trusty and Santi Moar.

Head coach Dave Brandt made changes to the Riverhounds starting eleven, putting Kay Banjo in for Walsh and Shannon Gomez for Ritchie Duffie.

The Riverhounds participate in their last traveling match on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls II at Pittser Field.

The Riverhounds will return home to Highmark for their last two matches on Oct. 7 against the Rochester Rhinos and Oct. 14 against the Ottawa Fury FC.