After an early bye week, the Riverhounds entered the match at Charleston rested and ready to reignite the rivalry with the Battery. Charleston started off dominating play with a possession rate of nearly 61%, creating opportunities all over the pitch.
The Riverhounds spent the first 20 minutes on the defensive, repelling the Battery as they built from their backline forward, to create quality chances on goal. The play seem to get a little rough, culminating in a booking for Battery MF Juan Torres in the 21st minute, who was shown yellow for a wandering hand to the face.
The Riverhounds remained competitive on the counter attack and had a brilliant chance in the 24th minute, but unfortunately, to no avail as F Augie Williams was offside. The Battery continued their dominate play and earned a free kick just outside the box that was fired left of the goal. The next opportunity came in the 32nd minute when F Cal Jennings got free on the left side and placed the shot on net, which was saved by K Eric Dick, and the rebound was put into the side netting.
The Riverhounds maintained their stout defense and on a counter attack in the 40th minute earned a free kick. MF Robbie Mertz sent the cross in and off the rebound MF Bradley Sample buried his first goal of the season, giving the Hounds a 1-0 lead, despite the dominating possession of the Battery.
Charleston responded well and continued to create chances only to see GK Eric Dick standing tall and adding to his save tally. Their persistence paid off in stoppage as Hounds GK challenged F Cal Jennings and did not get enough of the ball and a PK was awarded. Jennings stepped up and sailed the kick over the net, after a long stare down with the Hounds keeper.
As the second half began, the Battery came out attacking earning themselves a corner kick. The short corner was defended well and cleared by the Hounds. The Riverhounds weathered the early storm in the second half as Charleston continued pressing, looking for an equalizer. Their possession dominance carried over, but Pittsburgh’s defensive discipline remained intact.
In the 67th minute, Charleston broke through on a fantastic strike from the Batterys’ MF Aaron Malloy, 1-1. Charleston continued the pressure and almost broke through again with a dangerous free kick in the 70the minute. If not for a diving save from Dick, the Battery would have taken the lead.
With 15 minutes to go, the flow off the game picked up and Charleston continued to see chances go their way. The Hounds’ backline absorbed wave after wave of pressure, denying clear looks on goal. The Riverhounds struggled to maintain possession, but their counterattacks remained dangerous. The pressure paid off for the Battery in the 80th minute as F Aaron Jennings scored, 2-1 Battery.
Coach Lilley made a triple substitution to inject energy and try for the equalizer. The Hounds mounted as much pressure as they could, but had to respect the counter attack of Charleston. As time winded down, the Hounds chased the ball and struggled to gain possession. The Hounds had one last opportunity in stoppage time that was easily defended by Charleston.
When the final whistle blew, the Riverhounds were left with their second road defeat of the season. The Riverhounds have a chance for their first road victory next week at Columbus.
