Volesky’s early goal stands up despite Hounds pressure
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds put up a great fight against the defending champion Rochester Rhinos in their United Soccer League season opener Saturday night only to fall to Christian Volesky’s early goal.
Volesky raced behind the Hounds’ defense on seven minutes before lobbing Hunter Gilstrap to secure three points for the visitors.
The Hounds responded with lengthy spells of possession and a succession of second-half chances without managing to find a way past Rhinos goalkeeper Adam Grinwis.
Marcos Ugarte created Rochester’s winner with a pass down the left side that found Volesky streaking toward the Hounds’ penalty area. The Rhinos’ top scorer from last season left Gilstrap helpless with a delicate chip into the net.
Stephen Okai fired a loose ball on target on 23 minutes only for Rhinos’ right-back Dominic Samuel to make a vital block.
Hounds captain Kevin Kerr almost drew his side level on 38 minutes when he connected sweetly with Drew Russell’s cross. Kerr’s volley sailed narrowly over Adam Grinwis’ goal frame.
Blustery winds aided the Hounds in the closing minutes of the first half. Rochester struggled to clear the ball amid sustained pressure and Grinwis was forced to thwart Russell with a sliding save.
Corey Hertzog entered the game at halftime for Lebo Moloto. The former Penn State forward had a couple of early half-chances from a Russell cross and Marshall Hollingsworth’s pass.
Russell’s rampaging continued with another delivery on 55 minutes that Kerr nodded wide of the far post. Hertzog was denied again on 63 minutes when Grinwis palmed away his header off Kerr’s dangerous inswinging free kick.
Hounds head coach Mark Steffens brought Romeo Parkes and Alex Harlley into action in the closing stages to pep up his attack. Rochester’s typically strong and organized defense held firm.
The Hounds return to action next Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m. when the Harrisburg City Islanders visit Highmark Stadium for the first of this year’s PA Keystone Derby Cup clashes presented by the Pennsylvania Lottery and K&L Gates.
