Riverhounds eliminated from U.S. Open Cup

May 17, 2017 | By Rachael McKriger

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have been officially eliminated from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a 3-1 defeat by Chicago United FC.

The Riverhounds traveled to Chicago, featuring at Martin Stadium, and even changed up their lineup for the event. In goal, Keasel Broome took over in net, with Trey Mitchell getting a rest on the bench.

On defense, Shane Campbell returned after battling an ankle injury, while Nick Thompson started on the defense. He and Jamal Jack were the two centerbacks. Ben Fitzpatrick also received his first start, filling in opposite of Campbell.

The midfield was piled with Danny Earls, Kenroy Howell, Michael Green and Romeo Parkes. However, Howell had to leave the match in the 38’ minute due to injury. Replacing Howell was captain Kevin Kerr. Starting in the forward positions were Chevaughn Walsh and Kay Banjo.

Banjo had the lone goal for the Riverhounds in the 58’ minute, which was assisted by Parkes. However, Chicago had three goals scored by Mark Segbres (19′), Tom Barlow (73′) and Ryan Sierakowski (90’+4′). For the Riverhounds, Banjo’s goal was a positive, but late second-half goals doomed the visitors.

The Riverhounds only had one yellow card shown to Earls in the 86’ minute. Meanwhile, Chicago United had two yellow cards shown to Abdoulaye Samake (23’) and Max De Bruijne (30’).

Last year when the Riverhounds lost their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match during the season, Mark Steffens was fired as head coach. However, with the Riverhounds holding on to a three-game winning streak in the USL, it’s safe to say that Dave Brandt has a secured job.

The Riverhounds will return to Pittsburgh on Saturday to host Louisville City FC at Highmark Stadium. Louisville City FC blanked the Tartan Devils at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday in their U.S. Open Cup match, finishing with a 9-0 final score.

Saturday’s match for the Riverhounds – which is also Military Appreciation Night – will kick off at 7 p.m. However, the Riverhounds will have plenty of pre-game activities. To inquire about tickets or read about the pre-game festivities, go to the Riverhounds official website.