Hounds Shutout on the Road, 4-0, at Charlotte
September 10, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (6-16-5) saw their three-match unbeaten streak snapped, falling 4-0 on the road to the Charlotte Independence (14-7-6) at Ramblewood Stadium.
Charlotte potted two goals in each half with Brian Brown opening scoring in the 37th minute followed by two tallies by David Estrada in the 45th and 54th minute, respectively, and Jorge Herrera wrapping up the scoring in second half stoppage time.
Both squads traded bouts of possession for much of the first half with the Hounds seeing early shots on goal from Corey Hertzog and Zak Boggs saved by Independence goalkeeper John Berner. Charlotte would break through thanks to a long cross from Joel Johnson finding the head of an open Brown at the back post for the match's first goal.
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen kept the deficit at one briefly with a stellar diving save to his right in the 42nd minute, but could not stop a Estrada header from reaching the back of the goal minutes later off a tricky assist flicked on by Enzo Martinez deep in the box.
The second half opened with the Hounds nearly cutting the deficit to one in the 53rd minute off a strong take by captain Kevin Kerr. The Hounds midfielder's shot though found Berner in position to make a clean save. Jumping immediately on the counter, the Independence pushed the pace for a shot on net that an aggressive Steffen could not fully corral. The rebound made its way to Estrada, who popped a high header over the Hounds defense and into the goal to push the Charlotte lead to three.
Pittsburgh would continue to apply pressure, pouring on a season-best 12 shots in the second half and forcing Berner to make multiple tough saves, but could not break through. Herrera's late tally came right at the start of second half stoppage time, as the Independence midfielder was able to convert a take past Steffen at the top of the box.
For the Hounds, the loss extends their winless streak against Charlotte to five, while Berner recorded his second clean sheet of the season against the club - saving all 12 shots faced on goal in the two head-to-head meetings.
Pittsburgh finished the match with 15 shots - the sixth time in the past seven matches the club has recorded double-digit shot totals - and was led by Kerr and Chevaughn Walsh, who each recorded three shots.
The Hounds now return home to face FC Cincinnati (13-6-7) in the first of two matches this month at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday, September 14. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. For more information, visit Riverhounds.com.
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