Hounds, Louisville Level in Final Tune-Up

March 4, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC closed out its preseason this afternoon with a 0-0 draw against Louisville City FC in a rematch of last year’s USL Championship Playoffs at Highmark Stadium. With the draw, the Hounds complete their preseason with a 2-0-3 record in regulation matches and with only one goal allowed in their last five outings.

The Hounds started the game off slowly with Louisville City generating some early pressure. The first chance of the game came at the 11th minute with a cross into the box that was cleared away. GoalkeeperJahmali Waitewas called into action early with a huge save in the 20th minute to keep Louisville’s Oscar Jimenezfrom opening the scoring.

Louisville continued to maintain pressure, and moments before halftime, tempers began to heat up in a confrontation that resulted in multiple yellow cards issued.

In the second half, Kenardo Forbes got in behind the Louisville City defense and was one-on-one with former Hounds goalieKyle Morton, but the captain’s shot went wide in what was the closest chance for the Hounds up to that point.

The Hounds continued their second-half resurgence with a shot by Albert Dikwa going just wide. Another close opportunity came shortly afterward for the Hounds with the ball lying in the box, but they were unable to connect despite the pressure on Louisville’s back line.

The Hounds worked their way into the bench for the final 20 minutes and created another huge chance in the 75th minute.Robbie Mertzsent in a beautiful cross connecting with new signeeTony Lopez, but the header flashed just wide.

With preseason concluded, the Hounds open up their regular season on Saturday, March 11 at Birmingham Legion FC. The 7:30 p.m. match is another rematch of last year’s playoffs, as the Hounds return to Protective Stadium, where they advanced in dramatic fashion from last year’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, 2-2 (8-7) in a shootout.

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