The Hounds crush Toronto II 5-1
This had all the makings of one of those frustrating game in the first half. The Hounds had decent possession and several scoring chances, but couldn’t finish. They didn’t get any sympathy from a ref who forgot his yellow card, and slopping defending lead to an early Toronto goal. I wouldn’t necessarily call it bleak, but we’ve seen how a game like this ends many times over the last few seasons. Fortunately late in the half Toronto II showed their inexperience (and the fact they’re a Toronto soccer club) by pulling down Kerr in the box. The subsequent red card and penalty kick as the catalyst needed to get the Hounds going and run away to a 5-1 win.
Though to be fair, being up a man for 45 minutes sure helps.
Not to take anything away from a 5-1 win. It was AWESOME! The Hounds looked good and it was a fun night for everyone. That said these games against MLS “2” teams are the games the Hounds have to win. In fact it should be expected. Maybe not by four goals every time, but they have to walk away with a win. We’re lucky to be in the Eastern Conference where the three MLS “2” teams don’t seem to give a crap. New York Red Bulls II, Toronto II, and FC Montreal are all in the bottom half of the table, and have a combined record of 2-10-3 (W-L-T) so far. Easy pickings. With how competitive the top half of the table is, dropping any points to these three teams could be devastating by the time the playoffs roll around.
Speaking of the “2” teams, the Hounds travel to New York to take on New York Red Bulls II this Sunday. Kick off is at 2pm. Doors open at the Highmark Stadium bar a 1.
Notes
- Great to see Kerr and Vincent light it up again. They continue to be a great 1-2 punch.
- No Moloto or Touloute, among others, in this match. Looks like Steffens wasn’t particularly concerned with Toronto and gave the guys who have picked up some knocks a night off.
- Late season signing William Hunt has been impressing with his solid defense. He’s a nice compliment to Arena as the Hounds continue to deal with injuries on the back line.
- Great to see Dallman back. When he was in the game he looked pretty good. Unfortunately it seems like he’s going to be the guy with all the bad injury luck this year. Hopefully he’s not out too long.
- Danny Earls is a cool guy who doesn’t look as explosions.
What They’re Saying
Matt Gajtka – City of Champions Sports
On Saturday night, the Hounds’ success after halftime became even more of a story, as the home team scored four times in the final 45 minutes to bury Toronto FC II by a 5-1 count at a chilly Highmark Stadium.
“We’ve been doing it all season,” said midfielder Kevin Kerr of the Hounds’ second-half proclivities. “We know we’re a good team. When you have that, the game’s never over.”
The Riverhounds (2-1-2, 8 points) have outscored their first five opponents 9-3 after intermission, which has helped them avoid the type of impotent start that has stunted this franchise since its move to Station Square in 2013.
Kyle Heizler – Reckless Challenge
Against Toronto, Okai was the living definition of a box to box midfielder. He tested the Toronto goalkeeper early with a driven shot from about 28 yards but the shot was saved. Then, for a long period of the game Okai was outstanding doing the unfashionable defensive work in midfield. Okai seemed to always be perfectly placed to stop any Toronto attacks and was always available to receive the ball to keep possession.
Alexander Chismar – Pittsburgh Sporting News
Pittsburgh absolutely dominated Toronto in almost every aspect of the game. Offensively, Vincent and Kerr played outstandingly. Kerr, specifically, was very unselfish by setting up players left and right. Vincent’s big boot came up stronger than what we’re used to in scoring two goals tonight and would lead the Hounds to a well deserved victory.
Defensively, while only having to defend 10 men as opposed to 11, Pittsburgh continued to play great. This defense has yet to allow more than two goals in a game this year and has held it’s opponent to one goal or less in their last three games.
Anthony Gallo – Waking The Red
After losing their lead and being down a man, TFC II head coach Jason Bent seemed to tell his team to be patient and use the counter attack to punish the Riverhounds. That however didn’t work and allowed midfielder Jay Chapman to cough up a ball, which led the Riverhounds to be on a four on two attack. That was finished off by Riverhound’s Rob Vincent who slotted his shot nicely into the bottom left corner.
TFC II was then forced to find a way back into the game, but an experienced Pittsburgh side knew how to keep a lead. The defensive pressure from Anthony Arena and Willie Hunt were able to disrupt any TFC II chance and allow the inexperienced side to make mistakes.
Around the League
- Whitecaps 2 is the second MLS team to make a mockery of their roster. Double digit one day loans this week.
- FC Montreal is still terrible and still point-less.
- There are still 4 undefeated teams in the East. None in the West.
#UNLEASH
