Hounds, Roots Play Out Scoreless Draw
June 17, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC extended its unbeaten streak to eight straight USL Championship matches after battling through a defensive struggle with Oakland Roots SC that ended 0-0 tonight at Pioneer Stadium in Hayward, Calif.
Newly acquired goalkeeper Luis Zamudio made three saves for a shutout in his debut with the Hounds (7-2-6), while his counterpart for the Roots (6-4-4), Paul Blanchette, made two stops.
The draw ends the Hounds winning streak at five straight league matches, but the clean sheet is the fourth straight by the team, which has not allowed a goal in its last 392 minutes against USL opposition.
First half
The opening 45 minutes were a defensive struggle, as Oakland logged the only shot on goal by either team - a nearly 30-yard effort by Anuar Peláez that was easily saved.
The Hounds did run into early trouble defensively, as center backs Joe Farrell and Nate Dossantos received yellow cards inside the first 22 minutes of the match, forcing the team to play a little safer and more conservatively when defending.
Peláez also picked up an early caution for the Roots, who had a slight edge in possession and total shots, while the Hounds had more than double the entries into Oakland's final third.
Second half
The Hounds came out with more offensive potency in the second half, as substitute Tola Showunmi created havoc for the Roots defense. Pittsburgh had 13 touches in the Oakland box after halftime, while limiting the hosts to only two.
Luke Biasi recorded the Hounds' first shot on goal by driving into the box and forcing a low save from Blanchette, and Kenardo Forbes set up Junior Etou for a shot that sailed high in a flurry of attacking activity around the 66th minute.
Zamudio made his biggest save minutes later, when he dove to his right to stop a shot by substitute Treyvone Reid that found its way through traffic on a play beginning with a free kick.
The Hounds could have swiped the three points in the final three minutes after Burke Fahling outworked the defense to win a ball near the goal line. Under pressure, he squeezed through a pass that was just behind Showunmi, and the tall forward was able to get a backheeled touch on the ball, but the close-range chance went right at Blanchette for the save.
Heineken Man of the Match
Marc Ybarra put in a hard-working effort playing primarily a holding midfield role. He led all Hounds starters by connecting on 87.5 percent of his passes (64 of 80, both team highs), while also creating two chances and winning possession eight times - tied with Luke Biasi for the team lead.
What's next?
The Hounds return to Pittsburgh for three consecutive home matches, beginning with a first-ever meeting against San Diego Loyal SC (6-4-5) on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 17, 2023
- Orange County SC Earn First Road Victory of the Season in 3-0 Win at Tulsa - Orange County SC
- Hounds, Roots Play Out Scoreless Draw - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Colorado Springs Earn Second Win in June Against Las Vegas Lights FC - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Orange County SC Earn First Road Victory of the Season in 3-0 Win at Tulsa - Orange County SC
- Pinzon Equalizes Late to Save Road Point - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Memphis 901 FC Extends Unbeaten Streak to Ten Matches with Draw to Detroit City FC - Memphis 901 FC
- Paterson's Dramatic Late Goal Lifts Battery Past Hartford - Charleston Battery
- Riverhounds Extend Unbeaten Run with Draw at Oakland - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Oakland Roots Draw Pittsburgh Riverhounds 0-0 - Oakland Roots
- New Mexico United Earns a Point in Head Coach Eric Quill's Debut, Draws 2-2 with RGVFC Toros - New Mexico United
- Outshooting Switchbacks FC Is Not Enough for Las Vegas Lights - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Indy Eleven Downed by Legion FC - Indy Eleven
- Detroit City FC Continues Unbeaten Streak, Earns 0-0 Draw at Memphis 901 FC - Detroit City FC
- Detroit City FC Has Night to Forget, Losing 5-0 to Flint City AFC - Detroit City FC
- Memphis 901 FC Extends Unbeaten Streak with Draw to Detroit City FC - Memphis 901 FC
- Hartford Fall 4-3 After Charleston's Stoppage Time Winner - Hartford Athletic
- Detroit City FC Looks to Extend Great Run of Form in Memphis on Saturday Night - Detroit City FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
