The Pittsburgh Riverhounds match against the New York Red Bulls II wasn’t just another match for the Riverhounds. It was the match that introduced head coach Dave Brandt to professional soccer.
Brandt, who has only coached at the collegiate level, made his head coaching debut for the Riverhounds against the Red Bulls II last night. In Brandt’s debut, the Riverhounds weren’t able to claim victory and fell to the Red Bulls II, 1-0.
Junior Flemmings had the match’s only goal for the Red Bulls II in the 8’ minute. He beat out defenders Drew Russell and Sergio Campbell to get to goalkeeper Mauricio Vargas for a one-on-one matchup. Flemmings put the ball by the lower post, as Vargas could do nothing to stop the goal.
However, the Riverhounds quickly responded with a counter attack. Corey Hertzog, who has one goal this season off a penalty kick, came close to scoring, but his header in the 9’ minute hit off the bottom post and deflected away from Ryan Meara’s goal.
The Red Bulls II almost had another goal in the 12’ minute on a free kick. Justin Bilyeu took the free kick, but his shot went off the crossbar. The Riverhounds were able to clear the ball away to prevent any further attack.
Other than a few early chances from Hertzog, which were again saved by Meara, in the beginning of the second half, the Riverhounds didn’t have many attacking opportunities.
Unlike last time the two teams met up, no red cards were distributed. However, two Riverhounds players and one Red Bulls II player earned yellow cards. Lebo Moloto was the first Riverhound booked in the 15’ minute and would be followed by Stephen Okai in the 31’ minute. Red Bulls II midfielder Dan Metzger was booked in the 58’ minute with his yellow card.
The Riverhounds have a chance to get back on the winning side when they host the Charleston Battery on June 4 at Highmark Stadium. For this match, and this match only, former Riverhound Rob Vincent will be back with the team, as he will be on loan from his MLS club D.C. United. Vincent’s presence will certainly help out the younger players and possibly provide a spark for his former club.
