Weekend Recap: When a draw feels like a loss

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The Hounds play 89.9 minutes, draw Louisville 1-1

Thompson_PK_Save_4_19

Oh this is a frustrating one. For the first time since the opener the Hounds put together a solid performance for most of the game. They had good possession, the defense didn’t get picked apart (mostly), and they had several great chances to put a ball in the back of the net. Thompson stood on his head again, making several great saves and proving to be possibly the best signing this off season. I don’t think the USL does saves of the week, but Thompson turning into a brick wall on the late game PK would surely take it. Unfortunately after his amazing stop the Hounds took their foot off the gas and…

tooearly

The Hounds were jacked after the save and thought they had the game in the bag. As with every time they’ve eased up during a match this season they got burned. A stoppage time goal by Louisville turned an amazing, exciting win into a heartbreaking draw. Seeing mental discipline slip is probably one of the most frustrating things to see as a supporter. Fortunately the Hounds know they have to be better, and I think they will be. The home opener was a much needed win, but it also probably set expectations a little too high. I think Saturday’s performance was the best indication so far as to what this team is and will be this season. It’s a good base, and if they can keep improving a little bit each week the Hounds are going to be a very strong team down the stretch.

The Hounds are back in action this Saturday at 7pm when Toronto II comes to town. The Hounds played well against MLS reserve teams the last two season. I don’t expect that to change against Toronto.

Notes

  • Dantas continues to improve and came about a foot away from getting his second goal on the season. Another week or two and he’s going to be a force.
  • Speaking of Dantas it looked like he deserved a PK in the 73rd minute when he was one on one with the Louisville keeper. Upon seeing the replay the no call wasn’t as egregious as it looked at the time. However if you’re going to give a PK to Louisville for the stiff breeze that blew their guy over ten minutes later… Dantas should have also gotten a call.
  • Nice to see the Hounds go a game without getting a yellow.
  • Okiomah still seems to have a hamstring issue, and had to come out early in the 50th minute. Maybe he should take a game off and get back to full health.
  • Dallman was back on the bench for the first time this season. It’ll be interesting to see how he fits in with Steffens system.
  • On one hand it’s still early in the year, on the other hand attendance is starting to be a little worrisome.

What They’re Saying

Matt Grubba – TribLIVE

“It’s difficult when a player is dribbling with the ball. I saw the ball late and reacted,” Thompson said. “That (goal) brought tears to my eyes. I want to win every game, and this kind of felt like a loss.”

The goal was harder for the Riverhounds (1-1-2) to stomach after Thompson appeared to have preserved the three points with a pair of saves on the penalty kick.

Thompson dove to his right to save the initial low shot, but the rebound bounced back to Fondy. The Jamaican international scrambled to his feet to parry the follow-up attempt, and a third effort from a tough angle by Bryan Burke sailed over the bar.

“When you’ve played goalkeeper as much as I’ve played, it’s just experience,” Thompson said. “I read it really well, and was able to react for the second save, as well.”

Matt Gajtka – City of Champions Sports

The first reaction might be to blame the Hounds’ defending, which also had trouble tracking some long balls aided by a strong tailwind in the first half, but Rife refuted that notion.

“Of all the issues we’ve looked at as a staff this year, the (back line) is low on the list of concerns,” said Rife, a former USL defender who joined new head coach Mark Steffens‘ staff after playing for him in Charlotte. “I think the wind had a bit of a factor early. Takes a couple of those long balls to settle in. As the game went on, we felt good as a coaching staff about them.”

John Krysinsky – Pittsburgh Soccer Report

The Hounds took the lead in the first half, making the most of a free kick opportunity in the 38th minute as Okiomah was able to get just enough of the top of his head on Vincent’s free kick, directing it to sail past Louisville’s goalkeeper Scott Goodwin for the lead.

The Riverhounds continued to press high and play aggressively as the second half began.

Kevin Kerr was creating a lot of opportunities on the right flank — connecting continuously with forward Vini Dantas throughout the match, but unfortunately for the Riverhounds, they were unable to get that elusive second goal.

Around the League

  • The USL’s version of “The Snow Classico” happened Friday night in Colorado.
  • The “2” teams have another bad weekend.
  • The “Old Guard” in Rochester, Charleston, and Richmond are taking an early lead in the East.
  • FC Montreal is in sole possession of the wooden spoon. It’s a shame they can’t mimic their parent club and save themselves for the Voyageurs Cup.

 
#UNLEASH

ISAVesty

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