Saints Claim Point To Deflate Buoyant Hounds
PITTSBURGH (June 6, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds could not carry over the magic from last week's breathtaking victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders Saturday in a 1-1 tie with Saint Louis F.C. at Highmark Stadium.
Rob Vincent put the Hounds in position for a third straight league victory on 73 minutes when he slotted home a retaken penalty kick after Saints defender Chad Vandegriffe had bundled over Stephen Okai.
Jamaican forward Jeremie Lynch rescued a point for the visitors when he outjumped Hounds goalkeeper Ryan Hulings and defender Willie Hunt on the 6-yard line to send his header trundling into an empty net.
The Hounds remain fifth in the USL's Eastern Conference with a 4-3-4 record (16 points). Saint Louis edged to 3-3-4 in the standings (13 points) to remain within striking distance of the playoff positions.
"All week we worked on defending and we did a great job, but we gave up a soft goal and we leave with one point," said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens.
"It's really disappointing."
A listless first half lacked any real chances from open play. One of the best opportunities arrived on nine minutes when Lebo Moloto delivered a short corner kick to Kevin Kerr. The Scottish midfielder's shot forced Saints goalkeeper Mark Pais into a decent save.
Boris Zivanovic's introduction midway through the second period led to an improvement in the Hounds' attacking play. Vincent's ninth goal of the USL season quickly followed from the spot after Okai had encroached into the 18-yard box on the initial penalty kick.
Anthony Arena made a brave defensive block on the play that led up to the Saints leveler. Mike Ambersley collected the loose ball and whipped in a deep cross that saw Lynch climbing highest to tie the game.
The Hounds go to North Carolina next Saturday for a first meeting with the new Charlotte Independence team. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Fans will be able to watch the game live at the Highmark Stadium sports bar or on Riverhounds.com.
Major League Soccer franchise D.C. United visits Highmark Stadium on June 17 in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tickets are selling fast. Visit Riverhounds.com for information or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a representative.
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