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Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Hounds' Unbeaten Streak Ends against Nashville SC

May 30, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-1-6) dropped its first match of the season, losing 1-0 to Nashville SC (4-2-4) on Wednesday at Highmark Stadium.

This loss snaps a club-record 10-game unbeaten streak to start a season. A second-half tally from Nashville forward Brandon Allen ended up being the difference in the game, one that Pittsburgh outshot its opponent 16-10.

How it Happened

A second half goal ended the Hounds' record start.

Stemming from a corner kick, forward Brandon Allen collected a loose ball inside the six-yard box for Nashville SC, and his left-footed shot hit the twine to provide the club with the go-head and eventual game-winning tally in the 69th minute.

The Hounds later had two great opportunities to pot an equalizer.

In the 79th minute, Kevin Kerr sent a shot that curled to the far post. As the ball approached the goal line, goalkeeper Matt Pickens leaped into the air and batted it out of bounds.

Just four minutes later, Romeo Parkes had a take following a corner kick. The striker sent a left-footed from the center of the penalty box, but the try missed to the left of the net.

In the first half, the Hounds offense jumped out to a quick start, registering two shots in the first eight minutes of action. Both of these attempts came off the foot of Neco Brett, whose second take in the 8th minute was saved by Pickens after the striker gathered a long ball - one that traveled from roughly the edge of the Hounds' defensive third into the opposing penalty area - sent by Ray Lee.

In first half stoppage time, Joe Holland nearly scored his first goal of the year, which would have broke a 0-0 tie at the time. Lining up for a free kick from about 30 yards out, the attacking winger blasted a ball that just missed the upper-right corner of the net.

The Hounds did not allow a shot on goal in the first half, and Nashville SC's lone shot, a header by Bradley Bourgeois, went over the crossbar in the 12th minute.

Man of the Match

Earning his first start since March 31 against Penn FC, midfielder Joe Holland tied for the team lead with three shots and led the squad with two shots on target.

Stat of the Game

After six straight shutouts at home to start the season, Wednesday marks the first time Pittsburgh has conceded a goal at Highmark Stadium in league play this campaign.

Beyond the Box Score

Defender Hugh Roberts led the Hounds with nine clearances and tied for the team lead with three interceptions in the match.

Forward Dennis Chin and Noah Franke each logged their first action in league play, as the former amassed seven minutes whereas the latter recorded 66 minutes.

Centering the attacking midfield, Kenardo Forbes led the team with three chances created.

Starting at center back, Thomas Vancaeyezeele played a full-90 minutes and still has yet to miss a minute this season - the only Hound to obtain this feat. What's Next

Riverhounds SC will have a quick turnaround and hit the road to face the Richmond Kickers (3-5-1) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at City Stadium. This will be their first meeting of the 2018 campaign, and the game will be televised on Pittsburgh's CW.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC - Dan Lynd - Ray Lee, Tobi Adewole, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Hugh Roberts, Connor Maloney (Dennis Chin 83') - Kenardo Forbes, Jordan Dover - Joe Holland (Romeo Parkes 66'), Noah Franke (Kevin Kerr 66') - Neco Brett

Subs not used: Mike Kirk, Christiano François, Todd Pratzner, Ben Zemanski

Nashville SC - Matt Pickens - Taylor Washington (Ish Jome 70'), London Woodberry, Liam Doyle, Brad Bourgeois, Ryan James - Michael Reed, Matt LaGrassa, Bolu Akinyode - Brandon Allen (Tucker Hume 84'), Ropapa Mensah (Lebo Moloto 34')

Subs not used: CJ Cochran, Justin Davis, Kosuke Kimura, Robin Shroot

Scoring Summary:

NSH - Brandon Allen 69'

Misconduct Summary:

NSH - Taylor Washington (caution) 44'

NSH - Matt LaGrassa (caution) 58'

PGH - Ray Lee (caution) 61'

Quote Sheet

Head coach Bob Lilley

Thoughts on the game...

"I think it was another decent performance. The first 20 minutes of the second half we weren't defending, but our backs were so deep there were acres of space at midfield."

On Nashville SC...

"It's a good team. We knew we had our work cut out, but bottom line we said to the guys if we don't handle the details you're leaving it to chance."

On the team's performance...

"Although we've been tough to beat and we've had some solid performances, we've also been not able to put 90 minutes solid consistently and you're not going to go unbeaten forever if you're not putting complete game to form."

Defender Ray Lee

On mentality...

"Obviously to go forward and be aggressive the whole game, that was our mentality, but unfortunately we lost a bunch of second balls."

On being aggressive and making more runs...

"I feel like we are growing in that aspect. We did get our chances. We just didn't put them away today."

On rebounding after the first loss of the season...

"We are definitely going to take this to heart and we are definitely going to move forward and it's not going to happen again. That's the mentality we are going to have. We are going to train with a different intensity now and move forward."

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