The Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ reunion with Rob Vincent has actually turned out to be pretty bittersweet, as the Hounds fell, 2-1.
Vincent, who is on a one-game loan from D.C. United, provided the team’s only goal against the Charleston Battery on Saturday night. The match, which was held at a packed Highmark Stadium, was a homecoming for Vincent, but also a chance for him to get playing time in, as he hasn’t been used much with D.C. United.
“It was really nice to see everyone again,” Vincent said with a smile after the match. “I literally haven’t been back since I left to go on trial with D.C. [United]. It’s my first time back in Pittsburgh. I’m disappointed with the result, but there was a lot of positive. There were a lot of improvements.”
Vincent’s return proved to be bittersweet as Riverhounds fans realized that the one guy who scored on Saturday night would not be returning to duty for the rest of the season.
However, the Riverhounds have other weapons, and it proved tonight. Despite the loss, the Riverhounds participated in their best soccer playing of the season. While many were focused on Vincent’s return, others noticed that new head coach Dave Brandt’s attacking tactics were prominent in the match.
The Riverhounds controlled the ball and possession. Despite the 1-2 loss to the Battery, the Riverhounds had plenty of positives to look forward toward.
“This was the best soccer we played all year, and I think everyone saw that,” forward Corey Hertzog said following the match. “If we keep playing like that, maybe we’ll win some.”
Chances were plentiful for the Riverhounds. The team had countless opportunities on set pieces and fast-breaks. However, none were able to make it past goalkeeper Alex Tambakis. The closest opportunities came from Hertzog, Kevin Kerr and Lebo Moloto.
With the chances not coming into fruition for the Riverhounds, two chances came for the Battery when O’Brien Woodbine scored his goal on a penalty kick, which was conceded by defender Jordan Murrell in the 37’ minute. His goal would be followed by teammate Taylor Mueller’s goal in the 42’ minute, as the Riverhounds could not clear the ball from the box.
The Riverhounds did have one major downfall in the match. In stoppage time, late in the second half, Riverhounds’ defender Sergio Campbell received a red card after a foul. Campbell was immediately sent off the pitch, and the Riverhounds were down to 10-men on the pitch. The Riverhounds defense held up enough to make sure the Battery would not produce a 3-1 lead.
With the red card, Campbell will miss out on next weekend’s match. A good replacement for Campbell would be defender Karsten Smith, who also plays at the centerback position.
The Riverhounds, who will be without Vincent but will have newly signed Danny Earls on their roster, will face the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, June 11. The match will be held down in Richmond, Va. The Riverhounds next home match will be against FC Montreal on Saturday, June 18.
