USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Cabrilo Goal Lifts Riverhounds over Charlotte 1-0

August 29, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


Playing with purpose on the first leg of an important weekend road trip to the Carolinas, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds edged the Charlotte Eagles 1-0, on Friday night at Queens Sports Complex.

With the win, the Riverhounds moved two points ahead of the Eagles into a tie for eighth place and the final playoff spot, as they continue their strong late season push to qualify for the USL PRO playoffs. It was their eighth win in their past eleven matches.

Coming off the bench, and unmarked on a corner kick delivered by Matt Dallman in the 76th minute, Miro Cabrilo played the role of super sub, heading in the game-winning goal to push the Riverhounds two points ahead of Charlotte in the standings.

"It was a great goal. Miro came in with his big body, and delivered a goal when we needed it most," said Niko Katic, interim head coach.

It was a match that the Riverhounds controlled throughout, but were unable to convert until the late stages.

"Both teams were feeling each other out, but we played really well. Our center backs, outside backs and (goalkeeper Mike) Lisch did an outstanding job limiting chances," added Katic.

Prior to the game winning goal, the Hounds' best opportunity came in the 42nd minute, when Danny Earls unleashed a dangerous ball toward the goal that was deflected by a Charlotte defender. Jose Angulo's quick one-timer found the back of the net, but unfortunately for the Hounds the linesman signaled Angulo offside.

With a number of players on the roster unable to make the trip, Katic's starting eleven included: Mike Lisch (GK), Sterling Flunder, Anthony Arena, Andrew Ribeiro, Matt Dallman, Danny Earls, Kevin Kerr, Rob Vincent, Mike Green, Brian Fekete and Jose Angulo.

Cabrilo came in for Fekete in the 65th minute. Angulo left in the 78th minute, giving way to McKenzie Pridham and Kevin Kerr left in the 88th minute for Alfonso Motagalvan.

Dallman's assist was his team leading seventh of the season, and his third in the past two games.

The Riverhounds improved to 9-12-5, good for 32 points, and suddenly into a tie for 8th place with the Rochester Rhinos.

With two games remaining, the Hounds now look to complete the second leg of their weekend trip on Saturday night as they will face the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium with a golden opportunity to move up even further in the USL PRO table. The Riverhounds and Battery have already played twice this season, with the teams playing to a scoreless draw at Highmark Stadium on April 26, and Charleston winning 1-0 at Blackbaud Stadium on May 24.

The Riverhounds moved past two teams (Charlotte and Arizona, 30 points). They currently trail Charleston (35 points), Harrisburg (34), and Wilmington (33). On Saturday, Wilmington will be hosting Sacramento and Rochester travel to Harrisburg.

"We still can't worry about the other teams and what they are doing. We need to keep this going. Keep playing well. Take care of business," said Katic.

The Riverhounds-Battery match on Saturday night will be streamed live on YouTube, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 29, 2014


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