Hounds Fall to Charlotte, 1-0
July 7, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
Charlotte, N.C. - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (6-3-7) fell on the road to the Charlotte Independence (4-7-8) on Sunday at Sportsplex at Matthews.
Match Report
Scoring the only goal of the match, Charlotte's Alex Martinez chipped in a shot in the 23rd minute. This loss snaps the Hounds' four-game winning streak.
"We didn't start the game with intensity," head coach Bob Lilley said. "We were reacting to the game. We let them play whatever they wanted in our end. When we do that, we're ordinary and we get ourselves in trouble.
"It's disappointing because I think it could have been a better performance if we competed out of the gate. After the goal, we played more on even terms."
First Half
The Independence broke onto the scoresheet in the 23rd minute.
Fielding the ball from teammate Niki Jackson, Martinez chipped a shot from just outside of the penalty box. The well-struck sphere fell just behind goalkeeper Austin Pack to provide Charlotte with the 1-0 lead.
Over the course of the first half, the Hounds received their best scoring opportunities from a couple of free kicks from just outside of the penalty box.
In the 37th minute, Kenardo Forbes sent a ball across the 18-yard box to Thomas Vancaeyezeele, who just missed on a header attempt. Four minutes later, Forbes elected to shoot, but his take went over the crossbar.
Second Half
The second half was split by a lightning delay that struck in the 80th minute.
Prior to the delay, Charlotte outshot Pittsburgh, 3-to-2. Neither team had a shot on target during this stretch.
In the game's final minutes post-delay, the Hounds had their only shot attempt, from the foot of Forbes, blocked away in the 78th minute. The Independence ultimately hung on for the 1-0 victory.
Hound of the Match
Defender Ryan James led the club with five tackles and three interceptions.
Stat of the Game
The Hounds have allowed one goal or less in five straight matches.
What's Next
Riverhounds SC will return home to battle the first-place Tampa Bay Rowdies (11-1-6) at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at Highmark Stadium. This match will mark the team's Hall of Fame Game, as there will be a special halftime ceremony honoring the club's inaugural Half of Fame class. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free rally towel, courtesy of Image360. Fans can purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Lineups:
Riverhounds SC - Austin Pack - Ryan James, Uchenna Uzo (Tobi Adewole 63'), Joe Greenspan, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Noah Franke - Robbie Mertz, Kenardo Forbes, Anthony Velarde (Kevin Kerr 76') - Mark Forrest (Steevan Dos Santos 63'), Neco Brett
Subs not used: Kyle Morton, Jordan Dover, Sammy Kahsai, Christian Volesky
Charlotte Independence - Brandon Miller - Abdoulie Mansally, Steven Thicot, Hugh Roberts, Joel Johnson - ValentÃn Sabella (Dominic Oduro 70'), Kevan George, Afrim Taku, Alex Martinez - Enzo Martinez (Aaron Maund 87'), Niki Jackson (Jorge Herrera 70')
Subs not used: Curtis Anderson, Ryan Baer, Clay Dimick, Zyen Jones
Scoring Summary:
CLT - Alex Martinez 23' (Niki Jackson)
Misconduct Summary:
PIT - Tobi Adewole 68' (caution)
PIT - Kevin Kerr 90'+4 (caution)
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