The Riverhounds were back at Highmark in front of a crowd of 3,808 against North Carolina, coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Detroit City FC last week. North Carolina is the first team that the Riverhounds have played twice in the 2025 season after both teams played to a 1-1 draw back on March 8 in Cary N.C. Robbie Mertz was out for this matchup as a precaution with an undisclosed injury that happened in practice on Tuesday.
The Riverhounds had a 56 to 44 percentage advantage in possession in the first half but once again failed score, becoming a troubling trend so far this season. In the second half, possession numbers shifted slightly in favor of North Carolina. The Riverhounds midfield was too leaky, and as a result, the scoreless tie was broken when North Carolina’s Louis Perez scored on a rifleshot from a throw-in to make it 1-0 in the 66th minute. The Riverhounds struggled to formulate any offense to get the equalizer, and North Carolina’s Pedro Dolabella made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute off a blistering header. The final result was a 2-0 shutout loss for the Riverhounds. In the post game press conference, Coach Bob Lilley felt the game was lost in the first half by lack of pressure in North Carolina’s end and generally poor in all facets of the game. He pointed out North Carolina’s goalkeeper didn’t register a save until the 43rd minute.
The Riverhounds next test will be against MLS NYCFC in the U.S. open Cup Wednesday May 7th 7:00 pm at Highmark Stadium.
