Riverhounds officially eliminated from playoff contention with loss

Riverhounds officially eliminated from playoff contention with loss

October 1, 2017 | By Rachael McKriger

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are officially eliminated from the USL Eastern Conference playoff contention.

A draw or a win was needed for the Riverhounds to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eastern Conference has been tight the entire season, but the Riverhounds will have to watch the playoffs at home.

Their hopes hinged on their performance against the New York Red Bulls II. In an important match, the Riverhounds bolstered their defense.

Joe Greenspan, who spent the first two and a half months of the season with the Riverhounds, was on loan from Minnesota United FC. The Riverhounds requested – and received – Greenspan on loan, due to Jamal Jack’s yellow card accumulation suspension.

Gale Agbossoumonde - Riverhounds - BGN
Gale Agbossoumonde

Greenspan started on the backline with Taylor Washington, Gale Agbossoumonde and Tobi Adewole. In goal was Matt Perrella, with Brenden Alfery serving as his backup.

In the midfield, Riverhounds Head Coach Dave Brandt changed the lineup, bringing in Abuchi Obinwa and Kenroy Howell to join Kevin Kerr, Victor Souto and Romeo Parkes.

Corey Hertzog featured as a lone striker.

The Red Bulls II had the first point on the board in the 25’ minute, after Obinwa scored an own-goal. The Red Bulls II secured the win in stoppage time of the second half with a goal from Florian Valot, assisted by Dilly Duka.

The Riverhounds had chances, taking eight shots. However, no shot was a threat to goalkeeper Evan Louro, as none recorded on goal.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the pitch, Perrella was busy, making six saves to deny Junior Flemmings, Dan Metzger, Stefano Bonomo and Vincent Bezecourt.

Of note for the Riverhounds, Tobi Adewole left the match in the 62’ minute, coming off for Shannon Gomez, due to injury.

The Riverhounds were also the only players to receive yellow cards. Recipients were Washington (57’), Chevaughn Walsh (78’) and Parkes (86’).

The Riverhounds will finish the 2017 USL season with two matches at Highmark Stadium. On Oct. 7, the Riverhounds will host the Rochester Rhinos. Lastly, on Oct. 14, the Riverhounds will host the Ottawa Fury FC.

Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

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