Hounds, Indy Draw, 2-2
August 29, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
INDIANAPOLIS - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (12-3-10) tied its first-ever match on Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium against Indy Eleven (11-7-8), 2-2.
Behind goals from Joe Greenspan and Christiano François, the Hounds bounced back from an early 1-0 deficit to take a 2-1 lead before Indy notched an equalizer in second-half stoppage time. The Eleven were beneficiaries of a red card presented to Pittsburgh's Ray Lee in the 86th minute.
"It's very disappointing, but I think there are a lot of positives to the night as well," head coach Bob Lilley said. "Indy is certainly a decent team that is coming on strong in the backend of the season. I liked that we stayed aggressive even though we were on the road."
How It Happened
The Lucas Oil Stadium turf played fast, and Indy Eleven started just as quick.
In the 4th minute, Indy gained possession from the Hounds in its half before starting a break. Midfielder Matthew Watson sent a pass up the field to striker Jack McInerney, who eluded Pittsburgh goalkeeper Mike Kirk near the top of the penalty area before shooting the ball into the vacated net to provide Indy with an early 1-0 lead.
At the end of the first half, the Hounds notched an equalizer. Following an Indy foul just outside of the penalty area, Christiano François sent a free kick across the Eleven's goalmouth. While nearing the six-yard box, defender Joe Greenspan jumped and headed the cross into the net to knot the score at 1-1, as the first-45 minutes came to an end.
The start of the second half mirrored that of the first stanza, but only it was the Hounds that did the scoring.
After Neco Brett pressured and forced a ball to be played back to Indy goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, François sprinted into the attacking third and intercepted the pass. Once he dribbled around the keeper, the attacking midfielder placed a shot into the net to give the Hounds a 2-1 advantage in the 59th minute.
In the 86th minute, play underwent a turning point, as Pittsburgh defender Ray Lee was presented with a red card following a foul. Lee had subbed into the match in the 76th minute.
Indy nearly did not cash in on its man advantage, but it broke through in second-half stoppage time. Receiving a pass from Ben Speas, McInerney slipped just behind the Pittsburgh backline and just in front of Kirk before sending the ball just by the charging goalkeeper to knot the score at 2-2.
Man of the Match
Defender Joe Greenspan scored his first goal in a Hounds uniform and also led the club with 17 clearances on the defensive end.
Stat of the Game
Center back Joe Greenspan set a team single-game season high with 17 clearances.
Beyond the Box Score
Tying for the team lead with two key passes, this marks the second straight game midfielder Ben Zemanski has held at least a share of the club lead in the statistic.
Midfielder Mouhamed Dabo led the club with five tackles and finished second on the team with four interceptions.
With a goal and an assist, Christiano François becomes the second Hound to hit the double-digit points mark this season (12 points). He joins Neco Brett, who has 30 points.
Ray Lee's red card marked the first for a Pittsburgh player since Gale Agbossoumonde was sent off against FC Cincinnati on April 1, 2017.What's Next
Riverhounds SC will remain on the road to battle FC Cincinnati (17-3-6) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. This will be their second meeting at this venue, as the sides tied their first match, 2-2, this past April.
Lineups:
Riverhounds SC - Mike Kirk - Andrew Lubahn (Ray Lee 76'), Hugh Roberts, Joe Greenspan, Todd Pratzner, Jordan Dover - Noah Franke (Kenardo Forbes 45'), Ben Zemanski, Mouhamed Dabo, Christiano François - Neco Brett (Tobi Adewole 85')
Subs not used: Nathan Ingham, Kay Banjo, Ben Fitzpatrick, Romeo Parkes
Indy Eleven - Owain Fon Williams - Ayoze Garcia, Reiner Ferreira, Karl Ouimette, Carlyle Mitchell - Dylan Mares, Nico Matern (Brad Ring 79'), Matthew Watson (Juan Guerra 79') - Jack McInerney, Ben Speas, Eugene Starikov (Soony Saad 61')
Subs not used: Ben Lundgaard, Nathan Lewis, Bradford Rusin, Kevin Venegas
Scoring Summary:
IND - Jack McInerney 4' (Matthew Watson)
PGH - Joe Greenspan 45'+2 (Christiano François)
PGH - Christiano François 59'
IND - Jack McInerney 90'+4 (Ben Speas)
Misconduct Summary:
PGH - Ray Lee 86' (red card)
IND - Jack McInerney 90'+5 (caution)
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