Riverhounds Advance in Playoffs After Epic 10-Kick Shootout

October 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC booked its place in the conference semifinals in the most dramatic of fashion, as the Hounds outlasted Birmingham Legion FC on penalty kicks, 8-7, after twice coming from behind for 2-2 draw after 120 minutes in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala.

Edward Kizzascored both goals for the fifth-seeded Hounds and converted the winning penalty on the 10th kick of the shootout. GoalkeeperJahmali Waitewas outstanding with a career-high seven saves during the match and an additional three stops in the shootout.

It was only the second time the Hounds have advanced from a shootout in club history, the first coming in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup. The team is 2-3 in kicks from the penalty mark all-time.

The Hounds advance to face top-seeded Louisville City FC in the semifinals on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

First half

Birmingham had more chances throughout the game, outshooting the Hounds by a 22-7 margin, butRobbie Mertznearly had the Hounds ahead early in the game. The Pittsburgh native beat defenderPhanuel Kavitaoff the dribble, but Kavita got just enough of Mertz’s jersey to keep him from getting enough power on the shot to beat goalkeeperMatt Van Oekel.

Waite made two outstanding saves the first half, the first to deny Legion leading scorerEnzo Martínezwhen he got behind the defense for an angled shot, and the second to stopJonathan Dean, whose low shot got around the Hounds wall on a free kick.

Second half

The Legion made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute on a set piece, asJuan AgudelofedProsper Kasimin the box, and Kasim lifted a header over Waite and into the far side of the net. That led the Hounds to turn to their attacking options on the bench, and Kizza answered the bell.

The former Pitt striker, on loan from the New England Revolution, entered the game in the 89th minute as the Hounds’ final substitute. A minute later, he was celebrating his second goal since joining the Hounds, and he headed in the tying goal on a cross from Mertz with just seconds remaining before stoppage time.

Extra time

The Legion pulled back ahead nine minutes into the extra time period, as they forced a turnover from a Hounds throw-in, allowingMikey Lopezto feedBruno Lapafor an open shot 16 yards from goal.

Needing to tie the match once again, it was the…