Okai on target twice in 3-0 win
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ preseason preparations continued Sunday afternoon with a 3-0 win over Ohio State University at Highmark Stadium.
Midfielder Stephen Okai stroked the Hounds ahead shortly before halftime. Jamaican forward Romeo Parkes grabbed his first goal for the club midway through the second half before Okai completed the scoring from the penalty spot. Lebo Moloto picked up assists on the Hounds’ first two goals.
“Movement off the ball, how we possess it and how fast we move it will be the keys to our team this year,” said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens. “It was pretty good today.”
The Hounds fielded nine starters from last weekend’s 2-1 win at Penn State University. New signing Caleb Postlewait and unsigned Canadian teenager Duwayne Ewart earned places after combining for the game winner in State College.
Okai’s opener came after a good move down the right side. Zak Boggs was unable to convert a low cross and Moloto kept the ball alive inside the Buckeyes’ penalty box before laying it back to Okai. The Ghanaian swept a tidy finish low inside Parker Siegfriend’s right post from 20 yards.
Moloto was the creator again on 65 minutes. He gathered the ball in midfield with space to slide a through ball for the galloping Parkes to collect 25 yards out. Parkes rolled a low finish past substitute stopper Max Swartz.
Ewart showed phenomenal speed five minutes later to earn a penalty kick after bursting clear of the Buckeyes’ defense. Okai buried his shot low to the goalkeeper’s right.
Recent arrivals Corey Hertzog and Isaiah Schafer were rested after picking up minor strains in training last week. Alex Harlley is back in Atlanta for a few days attending to personal matters.
Ohio State’s lineup featured former Riverhounds Academy midfielder Steven Munn. The Cranberry Township native spent the past two summers playing for the Hounds’ Under-23 team in the USL Premier Development League. Munn had a late chance to put the Buckeyes on the board only for Hounds’ debutant Brenden Alfery to pull off a magnificent save.
Preseason continues next Sunday when the Hounds will be staging Fan Fest at Highmark Stadium. Come along and enjoy live music, food trucks and other activities as well as the game against the University of Michigan. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. and admission is free.
Reigning United Soccer League champion the Rochester Rhinos comes to Pittsburgh for the regular season opener on April 2. Visit Ticketmaster.com to secure your tickets.
