Yet another change at the goalkeeper position didn’t help head coach Dave Brandt and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds get their second win under Brandt.
Sunday, the Riverhounds traveled to Bethlehem, PA to face the Bethlehem Steel FC, and the Steel FC defeated the Riverhounds, 2-0.
The Riverhounds used the game to make some more changes to last week’s starting defensive lineup. It was the second game in a row that defender Willie Hunt didn’t start. Starting in his place at left back was Ryan Adeleye, who made his Riverhounds debut after signing with the team Friday. Marshall Hollingsworth started at left back last week, but against Steel FC he moved over to left centerback. The right side of defense was untouched; Sergio Campbell started at right centerback and Mike Green started at right back.
See also: Riverhounds sign defender Ryan Adeleye
At the goalkeeper position, it seems Brandt has found a pattern: Mauricio Vargas starts in goal one week, and then Brandt puts Hunter Gilstrap in the next week. While it’s debatable whether the inconsistency hurts the team, one can look for Vargas to start the next match (if there really is a pattern — and it continues).
However, in this match, it was Gilstrap’s turn. The Steel FC put pressure on early, but it didn’t get its first goal until the 24’ minute when a lucky bounce from Cory Burke’s shot made it past Gilstrap. The Steel FC waited until second-half stoppage time to add to its lead when Leo Fernandes earned a penalty kick and put it behind Gilstrap.
See also: Riverhounds: Why is there no consistency on defense?
The match included yellow cards given to the Riverhounds’ Adeleye (60’) and midfielder Danny Earls (87’). The Steel had three yellow cards issued to Derrick Jones (70’), Taylor Washington (85’), and Gabe Gissie (87’).
The Riverhounds will return to Highmark Stadium for their next three games. They face the Richmond Kickers on Thursday, July 14, the Harrisburg City Islanders on Sunday, July 17 and the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, July 23. All matches begin at 7 p.m. EDT.
Image credit: Riverhounds
