Riverhounds Fall to Eagles 3-0
Published on August 10, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
Pittsburgh-In their final home game of the season and at Chartiers Valley Stadium, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds lose 3-0 to the Charlotte Eagles. A late first-half conversion from the Eagles Nate Thornton put the visitors on top for good. Thwarting the Riverhounds attack throughout the game, the Eagles capitalize twice during stoppage time to end all chances for the home side to find the equalizer.
The game began with a slow pace as both Clubs were trying to maintain possession within the final third in order to build a solid attack. Physical challenges and defenders jumping passing lanes were consistent in the first half hour of play.
The Eagles took advantage in the 39th minute of play when the Riverhounds failed to clear their lines. Thornton picked up a loose ball at the top of the Riverhounds penalty area and shook his marker to put the Eagles up for good. A shifty lift of the ball by Thornton, allowed him to volley home from the penalty spot.
The tempo of the game increased following the intermission, making counter attacks and direct play the norm. As the full time whistle approached, only the Eagles would find the back of the net.
Breaking quickly off a Riverhounds header on frame, the Eagles would add their insurance in the 90th minute of play. Mauricio Salles ran down a diagonal ball into the Riverhounds left corner and freed the ball to Miguel Ferrer. Playing a give-and-go with Darren Toby, Ferrer struck a first-time shot to the left of Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap. An unbelievable reaction saves from Gilstrap landed in the path of Chris Salvaggione, allowing him to pass the ball into the back of the net.
The Eagles would put the game out of reach in stoppage time. A crafty cut from Ferrer near midfield allowed the second half substitute to slot a penetrating pass for streaking Salles. Piercing through the Riverhounds penalty area, Salles rifled a left-footed shot past Gilstrap for his second tally of the season.
The Riverhounds will open the 2013 season in Highmark Stadium, but will end this season next week on the road against the Rochester Rhinos. The Eagles will end a two-game road weekend in Dayton tomorrow night when they square off with the Dutch Lions.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 10, 2012
- Riverhounds Fall to Eagles 3-0 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- City Islanders To Begin Road Trip Against Richmond - Penn FC
- Charleston Visits Rochester In Important Match-Up - Rochester Rhinos
- Rhinos Host Charleston Saturday Night - Rochester Rhinos
- Lions Look to End Season Strong - Dayton Dutch Lions
- Blues' Playoff Hopes Take Hit in 2-1 Loss to Antigua - Orange County SC
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