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USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Hunt's Late Goal Not Enough as Charlotte Silences Hounds

August 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Aug. 22, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds could not shake off the Charlotte Independence's late United Soccer League playoff push for the second week running Saturday with a 2-1 loss at Charlotte's Ramblewood Stadium.

Independence forward Ryan Finley had salvaged a point for the first-year team at Highmark Stadium last Saturday night when he gained a yard on Pittsburgh's defense to head home a Carlos Alvarez corner kick. This week it was Daniel Jackson finding space to convert an Enzo Martinez delivery to put Charlotte on the path toward a vital three points.

Martinez doubled the hosts' lead in the first half before Willie Hunt notched a late consolation with his first goal for the Hounds.

The defeat keeps Pittsburgh in the sixth and final playoff spot with 32 points (9-9-5). Charlotte advanced to 29 points (7-6-8) with a game in hand on the Hounds.

Hounds head coach Mark Steffens made three changes from last week's meeting. Tyler Pasher was handed his first start since Pittsburgh's 2-1 loss during its previous trip to Charlotte on June 13. The Canadian took up an advanced role alongside Max Touloute as Steffens looked to utilize the speed of both players.

Recent arrival Ben Newnam made his first start for the Hounds after making his debut last weekend against his former Independence teammates.

Mike Green and Stephen Okai dropped to the bench. Kevin Kerr missed the trip through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the year last week.

Charlotte got off to the perfect start with Jackson's header beating Hounds goalkeeper Ryan Thompson in the sixth minute. Touloute came within inches of an instant response when he picked the ball up outside the Independence's penalty area seconds after the restart and chipped a left-foot shot that beat goalkeeper John Berner before rebounding off the post.

Pittsburgh's revamped offense struggled to create openings during the remainder of the first half. Martinez gave Charlotte a two-goal cushion on 38 minutes when Patrick Slogic released Alvarez down the left wing to supply a pinpoint cross.

The Hounds' leading goal scorer Rob Vincent almost provided a lifeline on 61 minutes when he thumped a 25-yard shot off Berner's crossbar. Hunt finally put the visitors on the board on 89 minutes when he looped a header over Berner from Danny Earls' inswinging free kick.

Captain Earls was shown a red card during the teams' first meeting two months ago. He suffered a similar fate in stoppage time after a scuffle sparked by his tough tackle on Paolo DelPiccolo.

Finley was dismissed first after a heated argument with Newnam as the Independence players overreacted to Earls' challenge. Referee Jeremy Smith then evened up the sides at 10 men apiece after some prompting from DelPiccolo.

A first trip to expansion team Louisville City closes out the month on Aug. 29. Kickoff at Slugger Field is set for 7:30 p.m. Hounds fans will be able to watch a live stream of the game on Riverhounds.com.

The Hounds return to Highmark Stadium on Sept. 5 for another vital game against a playoff rival when the Charleston Battery makes its only trip to the Steel City of the regular season.

Visit Riverhounds.com for ticket information or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a representative.

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