The Pittsburgh Riverhounds could have had their first win of the season last night against the Charleston Battery, but a controversial call extinguished their hopes.
The Riverhounds were controversially called for a foul inside the penalty box during a Charleston Battery corner kick in the 65’ minute. Referee Howard Ash gave the penalty to the Battery, and Justin Portillo lined up in the 66’ minute to take the kick. He converted it, shooting the ball toward the left side of Hunter Gilstrap’s net, as Gilstrap dove toward his right.
The Riverhounds mainly played a defensive game before the penalty kick. Willie Hunt, Sergio Campbell, Chad Barson (who is not yet listed on the Riverhounds roster on their website, but still wore No. 29 and played), and Isaiah Schafer stood tall as the back four for the majority of the match.
Individually, Campbell and Hunt shined in their performances, blocking many Battery attempts for a shot. Hunt even put his body on the line in the 76’ minute, when the Battery attempted a second shot, after their first shot hit off the crossbar and bounced away from goal. Hunt cleared the ball away and afterwards collided with a Battery player.
The Riverhounds tried more attacking options, even bringing in attacking players Conor Branson and Lebo Moloto for Schafer and James Bissue. However, none of their attempts would go past Odisnel Cooper and into his net.
The Riverhounds left Charleston with a point, and also left Louisville on Wednesday night with a point. The Riverhounds have three total points this season, but have still yet to secure their first win of the season.
The Riverhounds have a chance to grab their first win, as they face the New York Red Bulls II team at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, May 7. The match will begin at 7 p.m.
