The Pittsburgh Riverhounds went back to the losing column Saturday night against the Rochester Rhinos.
A week after the team’s 2-1 win over FC Montreal, the Riverhounds fell to the Rhinos 2-1 at the Rhinos’ home, Sahlen’s Stadium. The Rhinos got on the board first and early with Joseph Farrell’s goal in the 8’ minute.
The Riverhounds had some early attempts from midfielder Danny Earls, who made his Riverhounds debut this season against the Rhinos, and midfielder Kevin Kerr, but none went past Rhinos’ goalkeeper Adam Grinwis. However, in the 45’ minute, Pittsburgh forward Corey Hertzog’s header sneaked past Grinwis for a goal. (Hertzog’s shot was assisted by Kerr.)
However, the Riverhounds didn’t manage to leave the pitch with a draw. Rochester’s Michael Garzi scored in the 60’ minute put the Rhinos up 2-1. The Riverhounds had two more real chances from Kerr, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Despite Pittsburgh’s best efforts, the match ended with the Rhinos taking home all three points, sending the Riverhounds to a 2-8-3 record.
For this match, the Riverhounds again made a goalkeeper change. The Riverhounds started Hunter Gilstrap two weeks ago in Pittsburgh’s game against the Richmond Kickers, and the Riverhounds started Mauricio Vargas in net at home against FC Montreal. However, against the Rhinos, Gilstrap again got the nod from head coach Dave Brandt.
Brandt also changed things up on defense, keeping Sergio Campbell on the bench in favor of Conor Branson at the centerback position (Branson played alongside fellow centerback Willie Hunt.) Karsten Smith and Marshall Hollingsworth served as the team’s other two defenders.
However, all the roster switches still weren’t enough for the Riverhounds to defeat the reigning USL Champions.
The Riverhounds return to Highmark Stadium on July 4 to face the Harrisburg City Islanders. The match will begin at 7 p.m. EDT.
Image credit: Terry O’Neil / Riverhounds.com
