The Pittsburgh Riverhounds hosted MLS side NYFC tonight at Highmark stadium in the round of 32 in the US Open Cup. With a crowd in full voice, the Hounds registered yet another upset victory against an MLS team.
The first half stats were dominated by NYFC with a possession rate of nearly 70%. The Hounds defense communicated well and managed to pitch a shutout with the sure hands of GK Eric Dick. He was tested early in the 10th minute when NYCFC F Monsef Bakrar sent a quality shot through the Hounds’ defense. Not to be out done, the Hounds had a nice set piece of the boot of MF Robbie Mertz to F Bertin Jacquesson, right at the goal. NYFC produced the better opportunities in the first half, buoyed by their possession rate. Nonetheless, the half ended 0-0.
The second half began with substitutions from both sides. NYFC looked to get their offense moving and pressured the Hounds at the beginning of the half, creating a few quality shots from substitute F Julian Fernandez. The Hounds countered with substitute MF Bradley Sample who brought energy and pace to the attack. The back and forth continued until the 78th minute when NYFC D Strahinja Tanasijevic misplayed a long ball intended for the Hounds and was forced to pull him down, denying a clear goal scoring opportunity and was shown a red card. NYFC playing with 10 men looked the more dangerous side as they rang the crossbar with a shot in the 82nd minute from F Agustin Ojeda. The real opportunity cam when NYFCs’ F Julian Fernandez missed a wide open goal of a great cross leaving the game 0-0 late. The Hounds seized the opportunity in the 6th minute of stoppage time as D Beto Ydrach headed a corner in the back of the net to give the Hounds the lead late, and ultimately, the victory over NYFC. In the postgame interview, Coach Lilley was happy for the players and eager to get some rest for the team ahead of a tough away match vs Louisville on Saturday.
