USL PRO Game Report
Sunday, June 1, 2014
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds battled in-state rivals the Harrisburg City Islanders to a 1-1 draw at Highmark Stadium Sunday evening. Jimmy McLaughin's goal in the 85th minute prevented the Riverhounds from securing their elusive first USL PRO win of the season.
McLaughlin broke past a pair of Riverhounds defenders on the right side, then cut inside to make a nice run to the top of the penalty area, where he ripped a right-footed, bending shot past goalkeeper Mike Lisch for the equalizer.
"We played very well. [We] were very disciplined until the last minutes of the game, and we gave up one goal," said Niko Katic, Riverhounds interim head coach. "We have to defend with all 11 men throughout the entire match," added Katic.
The Riverhounds took the early lead in the 12th minute after Matt Dallman was fouled on the right side, about 45 yards from the Harrisburg goal, setting up a free kick opportunity.
Danny Earls sent an in-swinging kick toward the near post area, and as the ball bounced out multiple players converged and Mike Green was able to control it nicely with his right foot while in mid-air and send the ball downward and on a bounce toward the goal with his left foot. Brian Fekete drilled it into the roof of the net to give the Riverhounds a 1-0 lead.
The Riverhounds were more direct in their approach from the start of the match, playing long balls forward, in an effort to generate quicker scoring opportunities.
"We had a plan to play a little bit more direct tonight because we wanted to get into the outside channels, so they could to get the ball to CJ [Collins John] and Jose [Angulo]," Katic said.
Despite this approach, and creating additional chances, Harrisburg's back line stayed disciplined and helped turn the match in their favor in the second half.
Lisch made four saves as the City Islanders finished with the edge in shots (11-7) and had the better of possession and scoring opportunities in the late stages.
Numerous cautions were issued in the first half, as Langley and Ekra were cited for dangerous tackles for the City Islanders. Both Riverhounds forwards were booked, John for dissent, and Angulo for a deliberate handball while challenging a ball in the air.
Known as the Keystone Derby between the two clubs, this was the first of two matches at Highmark Stadium (return match, Wednesday, June 11), and the series wraps up in the state Capitol on Saturday, June 14 at Skyline Sports Complex.
The two sides remain separated by four points at the bottom of the USL PRO table. The City Islanders (2-5-2) were able to bounce back from a 3-2 loss on Saturday night at home against Richmond, to earn a point on the road.
The Riverhounds (0-6-4) return to action on Saturday, June 7 at their other "regional rivals" Rochester Rhinos.