Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Sunday, May 22, 2011
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2-4-2) fell 3-0 to the Los Angeles Blues (5-2-2) as Chukwudi Chijindu scored in either half to end the Riverhounds’ undefeated streak at Chartiers Valley Stadium on Sunday evening. In the second game of a weekend doubleheader, tired legs were evident for the Hounds as they could not crack the Blues defense.
The Blues jumped on top in the 17th minute through a brilliant strike by Edwin Miranda. After Chijindu collected the ball at the top of the Riverhounds’ penalty area and laid the ball back for Miranda, he rifled a shot into the top right corner of the goal to put the Blues ahead.
Chijindu then scored his first 11 minutes later, a quality move up the left flank by the Blues finding the forward all alone with Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap. Outside defender Mike Randolph began the build-up by overlapping Josh Tudela. Randolph played Walter Gaitan at the penalty spot, and the Argentinean flicked the pass over the defense and in stride for the slashing Chijindu, who tucked the ball into the back of the net.
The Riverhounds nearly cut the deficit in half in the second half as Stefan Lundberg’s individual effort was stifled by Blues’ goalkeeper Oscar Duatt. Lundberg received a pass at midfield and ran straight at the Blues defense. Outpacing four defenders, Lundberg found himself inside the penalty area and one-on-one with Duatt. Trying to gain his composure, Lundberg struck a low shot towards the right corner, but Duatt was in good position to make the save.
The Blues added a third goal in stoppage time to secure three points on the road as Chijindu received a pass from Gerardo Bravo behind the Riverhounds defense and slid a left-footed shot past Gilstrap for his second of the night.
The Riverhounds will host the Wilmington Hammerhead (4-1-0) next Saturday. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Chartiers Valley Stadium.
The Blues take a month off in USL PRO action. Their next scheduled match is against the Harrisburg City Islanders (1-2-2) on June 24th.