Kerr And Hertzog Power Hounds Past FC Montreal, 2-1
RECAP PROVIDED BY THE PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2-7-3) broke through for their first win in four matches, defeating FC Montreal (1-11-1), 2-1, at Highmark Stadium. Pittsburgh's victory was the first under head coach Dave Brandt and first since defeating Toronto FC at home on May 21.
Netting the tallies for the Hounds were Kevin Kerr in the 17th minute and Corey Hertzog in the 27th minute, while Anthony Jackson-Hamel scored the lone goal for FC Montreal in the 26th minute.
Action got off to a quick start with Montreal nearly taking an early lead off a strong cross into the box in the sixth minute. Moving quickly to his left, Mauricio Vargas was able to make a stellar save on a point-blank shot to preserve the score at 0-0.
Vargas' save would soon be picked up by a stellar finish by the team captain himself in the 17th minute, as Kerr received a pretty through-ball from Jack Thompson and finished strong past goalkeeper Maxime Orepeau from the left side of the box. Thompson, in his Hounds home debut, picked up the assist on the tally, while it was Kerr's first goal of the season.
Minutes later, Montreal responded with a goal of its own after Jackson-Hamel won an aerial challenge over defender Karsten Smith outside the Hounds' 18. From there, Jackson-Hamel was able to power a shot past an outstretched Vargas far post to knot the score at 1-1 in the 26th minute.
Pittsburgh would not be deterred, retaking the lead almost immediately following the Jackson-Hamel tally. Earning a free kick from slightly behind midfield, Kerr served up a tremendous feed to Hertzog, whose deft touch resulted in his team-leading fourth goal of the season. The tally was also Hertzog's second in as many matches.
The Hounds finished the match with advantages in both shots (14-to-6) and shots on goals (6-to-3) with the latter being a season-high.
Pittsburgh looks to continue its winning ways with a road date against the Rochester Rhinos (5-4-3) on Saturday, June 25. Kick off is set for 6:05 p.m. at Sahlen's Stadium.
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