'Hounds Clip Loudoun 2-0
By his own admission, Bob Lilley's Riverhounds aren't playing to their fullest potential early in the 2022 campaign. The results, however, could fool even the most studied fans of the game. Saturday was another notch on the belt for the 'Hounds as they took down DC United's reserve side, 2-0 at Highmark Stadium.
The first half was largely controlled by the visitors, who seemed comfortable in their 5-at-the-back formation to hunker in. The 'Hounds were a bit impatient in the opening half, shipping balls over the top and bypassing their midfielders. To this, Loudoun grew confident when they had the ball, were able to press higher up the field and keep the 'Hounds at bay. The 'Hounds had the better of the chances in the half but were unable to find the net.
Lilley's halftime adjustments paid off as the Good Guys came out of the break with enthusiasm and vigor. They showed more patience in the middle third and were able to find their breakthrough via Dane Kelly, who came off the bench this evening. Kelly slotted home an easy tap in on a chance that Albert Dikwa selflessly passed on to open the scoring. The goal in the 65th minute was the first goal Loudoun surrendered on the season. Kelly added another off a corner kick just past 70' to put it out of reach and Bob Ball commenced from there.
The Riverhounds will host the Maryland Bobcats on Tuesday at 7PM in a US Open Cup contest at Highmark Stadium. The Bobcats play in NISA, the National Independent Soccer League. NISA is a professional league which is largely regarded as the fourth division of American soccer, behind MLS, USL Championship and USL League One.
Man Of The Match: Dane Kelly. Kelly provided instant offense and his movement off the ball gave Pittsburgh both goals tonight.
Riverhounds: Kevin Silva; Dani Rovira (Robby Dambrot 60’), Jelani Peters, Arturo Ordóñez, Shane Wiedt, Luke Biasi (Alex Dixon 60’); Danny Griffin; Russell Cicerone, Kenardo Forbes (Toby Sims 77’), Luis Argudo (Dane Kelly 60’); Albert Dikwa (Angelo Kelly 77’)
Loudoun United FC: Luis Zamudio; Grant Lillard, Hayden Sargis, Rio Hope-Gund; Jacob Greene, Michael Downs (Matai Akinmboni 81’), Michael Gamble, Jeremy Garay (Houssou Landry 69’); Jackson Hopkins (Jace Clark 81’), Azaad Liadi (Tyler Freeman 55’), Kimarni Smith (Issac Espinal 69’)
Scoring summary
PIT: Dane Kelly 65’ (Albert Dikwa) PIT: Dane Kelly 73’ (Kenardo Forbes)
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Image&Video Credit: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Media Department