February 11, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC played the first regulation match of its preseason and picked up a 3-0 win over Penn State University this afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
More than a dozen trialists saw action for the Hounds in the match, including four in the starting lineup, and many of the non-roster players in camp seized their opportunities. The three goals were all scored by players invited to camp on trial, the first time three different unsigned players have scored for the Hounds in a preseason match in team history.
The Hounds began the match with a strong returning lineup that included goalkeeperJahmali Waite, defenderArturo Ordóñez, midfieldersRobbie Mertz,Dani RoviraandMarc Ybarra, and forwardEdward Kizza. Offseason acquisitionJoe Farrellalso got the start alongside Ordóñez at center back, as all of the starting lineup logged between 45 and 62 minutes.
The first half started a little slowly, with both teams warming their way into the action on a brisk afternoon, but Ybarra signaled the Hounds’ intent after 15 minutes with a curling shot from 18 yards that missed just high. Kizza also had two good chances as the half progressed, forcing a save at the near post from close range just four minutes before halftime, but the teams went to the break tied 0-0.
Kizza thought he had won a penalty kick for the Hounds when he was taken down by the Nittany Lions’ goalkeeper in the 54th minute, but the offside flag was raised, negating the foul.
Finally, the Hounds broke through in the 59th minute, when Mertz – the Pittsburgh native coming off a career-high nine assists in 2022 -swung a corner kick into the box for a headed finish. Ten minutes later, with both teams going deeper into their bench, the Hounds nodded home a second headed goal on a trialist-to-trialist connection from the right flank.
Returning Hounds defenderLuke Biasi, who entered the game at halftime, sent in the cross that led to the third goal in the 77th minute. His service and a pass laid back from the center of the box set up a low, driven shot scored from the top of the box, completing the big day for the training camp invitees.
The Hounds’ next preseason match is next Saturday, Feb. 18, when they host the University of Akron at 4 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. Home preseason matches are open to the public and free of charge.
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