The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have finally gotten their first win under new head coach Dave Brandt. Breaking a four-game losing streak, the Riverhounds defeated FC Montreal 2-1 on Saturday night.
The match, which was held at Highmark Stadium, got a quick start from FC Montreal, who tried an attack early on. However, Mauricio Vargas, who was in goal this week, replacing Hunter Gilstrap who was in goal last week against the Richmond Kickers, had his first save of the match. Vargas would finish the match with two saves in total.
Then it was the Riverhounds turn to score. Captain Kevin Kerr netted his first goal of the season in the 18’ minute. His goal was assisted by Jack Thompson, who made his home Riverhounds debut (he made his debut last weekend against Richmond).
“That’s about the easiest goal I’ll score all year,” said Kerr after the match.
Montreal responded with a goal from Anthony Jackson-Hamel. Jackson-Hamel, whose goal was unassisted, beat defender Karsten Smith in the air to put his header past Vargas.
However, the Riverhounds didn’t take very long to get back on top. Forward Corey Hertzog scored his fourth goal of the season in the 27’ minute, off an assist from Kerr. Hertzog’s four goals lead the Riverhounds in scoring.
As for cautions, Montreal had one yellow card given to Jeremy Gagnon in the 78’ minute. The Riverhounds had two cards distributed. Lebo Moloto was the first to receive a yellow card in the 54’ minute. Moloto was followed by Nick Thompson, who made his Riverhounds debut by coming on in the 70’ minute for Zak Boggs, as he earned his yellow in the 72’ minute.
The Riverhounds (2-7-3) will face the Rochester Rhinos in New York on June 25. The two teams met for the season opener already, which Rochester won by a score of 1-0
