PITTSBURGH — The Riverhounds SC continued their impressive summer form on Saturday night, defeating Rhode Island FC 2–0 at Highmark Stadium to stretch their unbeaten streak to eight matches.
First Half: Missed Chances but Steady Pressure
The Hounds opened the match with early intent, registering a shot on target in the opening minute. M Charles Ahl delivered a set piece in the 5th minute that sailed wide of the mark, and followed up with a well-placed corner in the 16th that was successfully cleared by the Rhode Island defense.
Rhode Island earned a pair of corners in the 24th minute but found no breakthrough, as Pittsburgh’s back line held firm. Tensions rose late in the half, with D Luke Biasi picking up a yellow card in the 33rd minute and M Danny Griffin booked in the 42nd. M Ahl came closest to scoring with a powerful header in the 40th minute, but the effort was stopped by the visiting keeper. The first half ended scoreless.
Second Half: Clinical Finishing Seals the Result
Pittsburgh shifted gears after halftime. In the 50th minute, F Augie Williams broke the deadlock with a stunning unassisted strike from outside the box to put the Hounds ahead.
Seven minutes later, D Beto Ydrach delivered a pinpoint long ball to F Berten Jacquesson, who blasted a shot past the Rhode Island goalkeeper to double the lead. Rhode Island threatened briefly in the 60th minute but were denied by strong defending and a crucial save from GK Eric Dick in the 68th minute.
The match tilted further in Pittsburgh’s favor when Rhode Island’s JJ Williams was shown a red card for elbowing D Beto Ydrach in the 68th minute. From that point on, the Hounds managed the game expertly, sitting deep and maintaining possession to close out the victory. After the game Coach Lilley talked about how proud he was of the team for the effort and preparation that led to a complete performance. He stressed the need to build on this performance, as they head into the last stretch of the season.
The Hounds will look to continue their winning momentum when they host Orange County SC at Highmark Stadium on August 9.
