Pittsburgh's Domination Results in Wilmington's 4-1 Loss

July 30, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release


Wilmington NC - Wilmington hosted the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Saturday night at Legion Stadium, resulting in a tough 4-1 loss for the Port City team.

The first half had a slow start, but picked up in the 12th minute, when Wilmington had a close opportunity when Pittsburgh's goalkeeper #18 Mauricio Vargas had a diving and interactive save.

Wilmington had several opportunities to score in the first quarter of the match, causing Pittsburgh to appear slightly frantic. Wilmington, on the other hand, came out strong and hungry to score, aggressive in nature against Pittsburgh.

Wilmington's weekend player on loan, #27 Ryan Roushandel, and #21 Michael Binns were put to the test in the 24th minute, when Pittsburgh began challenging Wilmington's defensive line.

As first half continued Wilmington and Pittsburgh battled back and forth for control over the ball. It wasn't until an unintentional tackle by goalkeeper #16 Eric Ati in the 36th minute when Pittsburgh took a penalty kick, only to be saved by Ati, bringing the crowd of 3,225 to a roar of excitement.

With the momentum from Ati's save, #10 Justin Moose and #7 Austin Martz had an opportunity to score on a breakaway in the 43rd minute. Despite Martz's incredible speed, Moose's enthusiasm pushed the ball too far ahead resulting in a goal kick for Pittsburgh. Continuing off the team's offensive push, Binns fumbled another scoring opportunity inside the box late in the first half.

Regardless of Wilmington's opportunities, Pittsburgh's #10 Kevin Kerr scored the first goal of the match placing the ball in the bottom left corner in the 44th minute. Not a minute later, #11 Corey Hertzog who scored the second goal of the match, ending the first half.

As the second half started, Wilmington down 2-0, Pittsburgh dominated the field of play controlling every pass.

In the 61st minute, Wilmington newcomer, #91 Jermie Lynch scored his first goal with Wilmington, and Wilmington's first goal of the aggressive match. Head coach Mark Briggs stated, "When we look at games like tonight, we take away one thing...Jermie Lynch." He continued, "He immediately stepped onto the field and carried the weight of the game on his shoulders. He was just what we needed at this point in the season."

After Lynch's goal, Pittsburgh counter attacked the Port City team scoring their third goal of the match in the 68th minute by Aguilar again. Momentum against tired legs, Pittsburgh continued on their dominating streak as they powered through opportunities to score.

Wilmington did not play a controlled second half against the team standing in eleventh place. In the 86th minute Ati made an incredible save, followed by two additional saves requiring dives, one-v-one challenges, and quick reactions.

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh's #31 Nick Thompson scored their fourth and final goal of the match in the 89th minute, rendering a final score of 4-1.

Don't miss the next big home game on Saturday, August 20th for PINK NIGHT! Come ready to cheer on Wilmington and bid on a pink game-worn jersey to benefit New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation's Pink Ribbon project. Tickets can be purchased by calling 910.777.2111 and online at wilmingtonhammerheads.com.

Wilmington Hammerheads FC Professional Soccer USL

The Hammerheads are a professional soccer franchise founded in 1996. Competing in the USL, the Hammerheads have grown to be an internationally recognized organization. The USL is the most sophisticated and best operated professional league beneath and in support of Major League Soccer in the United States and Canada. The goal of Wilmington Hammerheads FC is to provide an opportunity for players to develop and reach their goals, while providing affordable family entertainment to Wilmington and the surrounding areas.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 30, 2016


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