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Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Hounds, Rowdies Battle to Stalemate

April 6, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


PITTSBURGH - With the top two teams in last year's USL Championship Eastern Conference Standings squaring off, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Tampa Bay Rowdies finished as they started with a 0-0 draw tonight at Highmark Stadium.

Kenardo Forbes made history on the night by playing his 196th match for the Riverhounds, making him the team's all-time appearances leader in seven seasons in Pittsburgh. He passed the mark of 195 set by David Flavius, who played for the team in its first eight seasons from 1999-2006.

Goalkeeper Eric Dick made two saves to record his first clean sheet for the Hounds (0-3-1), while Rowdies (1-0-3) goalkeeper Jordan Farr made one official stop despite having the busier night.

First half

The Hounds came out on the front foot, where they would be most of the night, outshooting the Rowdies 14-6 and recording 28 touches in the opponent's penalty area, compared to just nine for Tampa Bay.

The first great chance of the night fell to center back Pat Hogan, who got on the end of a cross from Junior Etou on the left side. Hogan's attempt was on target, but Rowdies defender Aaron Guillen retreated to block the shot off the goal line.

Robbie Mertz had the next great chance in the 30th minute after Danny Griffin played a pinpoint pass to get Langston Blackstock behind the defense. Blackstock's pass attempt was blocked, but the ball bounced right to Mertz, who struck a hard shot that forced Farr to make a lunging stop to his right.

Second half

More chances came for the Hounds in the second half, starting with an open shot from the top of the 18 for Forbes, but the ball didn't find its way through traffic in the box in the 62nd minute.

Two minutes later, Kazaiah Sterling got knocked off the ball in the box, which drew shouts for a penalty that was not given. Tampa again retreated deep into their box to stymie the Hounds in the 75th minute, first to block an angled effort by Edward Kizza, and then to deflect a golden rebound opportunity for Bradley Sample behind for a corner kick.

The Rowdies threatened in the final 10 minutes, first when Manuel Arteaga beat the Hounds defense to a ball atop the box and forced Dick to push the ball to safety. One minute later, Dick made his biggest save of the game, diving to his right to deny a free kick by Lewis Hilton from inside the penalty arc.

Modelo Man of the Match

Kenardo Forbes looked fresh as ever in his record-setting appearance, connecting on 47 of 58 passes (81 percent), which included 13 of 15 inside the attacking third of the field. He also created three chances and tied for the team lead by winning possession 10 times.

What's next?

The Hounds have their first meeting with USL Championship newcomers Rhode Island FC next Saturday, April 13 in Smithfield, R.I. The new team - led by former Hounds striker Albert Dikwa - is 0-1-3 to start their club's history.

Riverhounds SC lineup (5-3-2) - Eric Dick; Junior Etou (Sean Suber 84'), Luke Biasi, Pat Hogan, Illal Osumanu, Langston Blackstock (Aidan O'Toole 84'); Kenardo Forbes (Bradley Sample 74'), Danny Griffin, Robbie Mertz; Edward Kizza, Kazaiah Sterling (Babacar Diene 74')

Tampa Bay Rowdies lineup (3-5-2) - Jordan Farr; Aaron Guillen (Pacifique Niyongabire 76'), Forrest Lasso, Jordan Doherty; Blake Bodily, Joey Dezart (Joshua Perez 62'), Lewis Hilton, Eddie Munjoma, Danny Crisostomo; Manuel Artega, Cal Jennings (Damian Rivera 76')

Scoring summary

None

Discipline summary

TBR - Aaron Guillen 17' (caution - reckless foul)

PIT - Bradley Sample 89' (caution - reckless foul)

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