May 3, 2017 USL Toronto FC II--Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs Toronto FC II game recap (from riverhounds.com)
Hounds blank Toronto FC II, 1-0 By Riverhounds Staff, 05/03/17, 10:30PM EDT PITTSBURGH (May 3, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (3-3-2) picked up their second straight win, shutting out Toronto FC II (1-3-3), 1-0, at Highmark Stadium. The victory marked the first time since August 2015 that Pittsburgh has won back-to-back matches, while earning two straight clean sheets for the first time since July 2015. Picking up the lone tally of the game was Victor Souto in the 22nd minute – the first goal of his professional career. Toronto pushed the pace early, forcing multiple blocked shots by the Hounds defense in the first five minutes. Possession would shift between the clubs until Souto was able to net the eventual game-winner in the 22nd minute. Kevin Kerr and Marshall Hollingsworth worked some nice buildup inside the attacking third with the latter finding Souto with space from about 30 yards out. The rookie product out of the University of Akron wasted no time placing a shot on goal, firing a rocket into the upper right corner past the outstretched arms of Toronto goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo. Along with putting the Hounds ahead for good, the tally ended an impressive three-plus match scoreless streak (332 minutes) by Toronto, while Hollingsworth picked up his second assist on the season and is now second on the team with six points (2G/2A). The second half saw the Hounds hunker down in the defensive third, allowing Toronto to control the pace of play, but ceding little to no chance for an equalizer. Dominating possession at a 63-37 clip, the visitors could only muster three shots and no shots on goal in an impressive defensive stand by Pittsburgh. The Hounds now take a much-needed 10-day break after capturing six points in five days to vault themselves to fourth in the conference. Pittsburgh next faces Ottawa Fury FC (1-2-2) on the road at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. For more information on the Hounds upcoming match, visit Riverhounds.com. Lineups: Riverhounds – Trey Mitchell – Taylor Washington, Jamal Jack, Joe Greenspan, Ritchie Duffie – Jack Thompson [Chevaughn Walsh 72’ (Nick Thompson 88’)], Abuchi Obinwa (Michael Green 45’),..... ................Victor Souto, Marshall Hollingsworth – Kevin Kerr, Corey Hertzog Subs not used: Keasel Broome, Gale Agbossoumonde, Kenroy Howell, Ben Fitzpatrick Toronto FC II – Angelo Cavalluzzo – Oyvind Alseth, Brandon Aubrey, Mitchell Taintor – Liam Fraser, Brian James, Luca Uccello (Malik Johnson 61’), Ryan Telfer, Jordan McCrary (Dante Campbell 82’) – Shaan Hundal (Aidan Daniels 57’), Aikim Andrews Subs not used: Brogan Engbers, Brandon Onkony, Anthony Osorio, Sergio Camargo Scoring Summary: PGH – Victor Souto 22’ (Marshall Hollingsworth) Quote Sheet: Dave Brandt On earning three points after a tough battle… “We were just trying to make sure we got away with three [points]. The number of times that the shoe has been on the other foot and we’ve played well and not come away with points certainty outweighs this situation.” On the Hounds defense… “I thought our effort in the back was honestly very good. Ritchie Duffie stepped up. It was his first pro start. He played a very good 90 minutes. I thought Taylor, Joe and Jamal were all rock-solid.” On the scheme involving three center backs… “Anytime you play three center backs, it’s going to be three at the back or five depending who has the ball. When you have the ball, it’s all good and it’s three at the back. When the other team has the ball, it looks like five and you saw a little bit of both.” Trey Mitchell On fending off the Toronto attack during the last 15 minutes of the match… “I was pretty confident going into the last 15 minutes. I have major confidence in Joe, Jamal, Ritchie Duffie, but Ritchie Duffie was playing a little bit higher for us today – Taylor Washington slips into a center back role.” On the communication with his backline… “I think the communication’s got a lot better. I think in the beginning, a little bit of a rotation, made it a little difficult at times, but I don’t think that was the biggest thing that was going on for us. I think Jamal and Joe are on the same page now. I’m on the same page with them.” On Joe Greenspan’s loan period being extended another month… “Joe and I actually have the same agent we’re going to be sharing. When we got done with – I don’t remember what game it was – I was like ‘dude, let’s make sure he stays here as long as possible.’ He’s solid. He came into the locker room right away and was good in the locker room with all the guys.” Victor Souto On how the goal felt coming off his foot… “I was just lucky to hit it. It hit the back of the net. The most important thing is that we got the win, back-to-back, that’s the most important thing.” On deciding to shoot rather than pass the ball deeper into the Hounds offensive zone… “For me my main job is to go back and pass to the guys in front of me. Today, I just felt something different and I was going to hit this one. I was lucky to just score the goal.” On his emotions after scoring the goal… “My whole family is back in Brazil. For me, every performance I have is for them. They cannot be here to watch me play, and I know they were watching online.” KO: 3 May 2017 19:00 REF: Matthew Franz Attendance: 950 Venue: Highmark Stadium United Soccer League FH SH FT Statistic FH SH FT 1 0 1 Goals 0 0 0 6 5 11 Total Shots (including blocked shots) 8 3 11 2 2 4 Shots On Target 2 0 2 3 0 3 Shots Off Target 2 2 4 1 3 4 Blocked Shots 4 1 5 4 2 6 Shots from inside the box 2 2 4 2 3 5 Shots from outside the box 6 1 7 0 0 0 Headed Shots 0 0 0 0 4 4 Corners 1 1 2 8 4 12 Fouls Conceded 3 7 10 5 0 5 Open Play Crosses 5 9 14 2 1 3 Offsides 1 0 1 28 18 46 Duels Won 25 21 46 52.8% 46.2% 50.0% Duels Won (%) 47.2% 53.8% 50.0% 230 175 405 Total Passes 261 291 552 61.3% 57.7% 59.8% Passing Accuracy 67.0% 77.0% 72.3% 46.9% 36.6% 41.9% Possession 53.1% 63.4% 58.1%
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