The Riverhounds [7-6-4] wrapped put their two-game north-of-the-border road trip with a visit with FC Montreal [2-11-2] today, but would come up short in a 4-2 loss. Midfielders Boris Zivanovic and Rob Vincent would each pick up a goal, however the defense would let down the Hounds with their most goals allowed in eight games.
Pittsburgh was hoping to add to some momentum after winning two straight against the New York Red Bulls II and Toronto FC II coming into the game. FC Montreal, in the basement of the Eastern Conference, had scored only 13 goals coming into the game and has had very spotty defense.
In just the seventh minute, Montreal forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel fired the opening salvo by crushing the ball past Hounds’ keeper Calle Brown, giving FC Montreal an early 1-0 lead.
Not to be outdone, Zivanovic positioned himself perfectly in the offensive third, which allowed him to give the Riverhounds a breath of fresh air as the game was tied at 1-1.
As the first half continued, both teams started to find themselves with opportunities to take an advantage over their opponent. Pittsburgh’s offense came out with a high tempo, but none of their chances translated to goals.
Montreal FC played very well defensively and took advantage of misplays by the Hounds’ offense and defense. The two teams would go into the half in a tie, 1-1.
Montreal came out early again in the second half when, in the 47th minute, Marco Dominguez made a fabulous play on the ball and gave his team their second lead of the night, 2-1.
Vincent, one of the Hounds’ most impressive players this season, came up in the clutch in the 57th minute when converted a penalty kick against Montreal keeper, Eric Kronberg. His goal would help Pittsburgh draw the game again at 2-2.
The Riverhounds would ultimately lose the game in the 72nd minute when keeper Brown was taken out of position after making a sensational play on the ball. Alessandro Riggi, the goal scorer for FC Montreal, was able to stifle the ball and tuck it through the posts and give his team a key goal late in the game.
Any chances of a comeback would be shattered in the 88th minute when Jackson-Hamel scored his second goal of the night and give Montreal an insurance goal.
His insurance marker would be the final goal of the game as the Hounds would go on to lose a tough 4-2 match against a team who has struggled mightily this season.
Pittsburgh, while suffering a disappointing loss, did not play terribly. In fact, the offense was able to generate frequent pressure on the box and keeper, however Kronberg was on his game and made very few mistakes.
The Hounds’ defense also played a little sloppier than they have in the past. A few goals allowed could have been deflected or stopped all together if the defensemen collapsed more on Montreal’s offense.
Pittsburgh will begin a long five-game homestand leading off against Louisville City FC this Saturday July 18 at 7:00 p.m. U.S. Women’s National Team star Meghan Klingenberg will be making an appearance.
