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Louisville Downs Riverhounds, Moves Clear

By CHRIS HOCKMAN – chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 09/09/17, 10:08PM EDT

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Pittsburgh's undefeated streak comes to an end as City claims 3-0 win


Photo Courtesy Chris Cowger/Pittsburgh Riverhounds

PITTSBURGH – Louisville City FC gave its hopes of finishing top of the the USL Eastern Conference a big boost following a 3-0 win against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night. With the first half winding down, Louisville opened the scoring in the 33rd minute as Mark-Anthony Kaye played a perfect through-ball for Luke Spencer, who controlled with his first touch and poked it past the goalkeeper with his second to score his ninth of the season. Just before halftime Louisville doubled its lead as Kyle Smith managed to intercept a clearance, run on goal, and bury it into the far corner for a 2-0 lead at the break. Jamal Jack ran over Spencer in the 54th minute which saw City awarded a penalty kick, and Speedy Williams was clinical from the spot for his first goal of the season, to all but seal the Louisville win. The Riverhounds came in to the match with a clear plan to absorb pressure, and look to attack on the counter. The strategy seemed to be working, as they held Louisville to just one shot in the opening half-hour, but from there the visitors exploded offensively, scoring three times before the hour-mark before cruising to the win.

Scoring:
33’ – LOU – Luke Spencer (Mark-Anthony Kaye)
43’ – LOU – Kyle Smith
54’ – LOU – Speedy Williams (penalty)

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The Riverhounds came in to this match on a five-match unbeaten run, closing the gap to a place in the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs. A win in this match could have put them into the playoff positions, but the loss keeps them out of the top eight in the USL Eastern Conference, and with just five matches to play they will need some help to reach the postseason.

  • 2. Louisville made sure it remained top of the USL Eastern Conference with the 3-0 win, easily accounting for the Riverhounds' packed defense. With the Charlotte Independence not playing this weekend after its game against the Charleston Battery was postponed due to the presence of Hurricane Irma in the region, Louisville now holds a three-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference, piling the pressure on Charlotte heading in to the final weeks of the season.

  • 3. Louisville used a strong passing game to earn victory as they recorded 574 passes, 114 more than its hosts. On top of that the passing was accurate, Louisville managing 78.4 percent accuracy as its passed the Riverhounds out of the match.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Luke Spencer, Louisville City FC – Spencer was active throughout the 90 minutes, scoring the opener, and winning the penalty for the third goal. Spencer was a constant threat to the Riverhounds defense, creating three chances in addition to the goal he scored, having two shots, and 32 successful passes.

Upcoming Games:
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. Rochester Rhinos – September 16, 7p.m. ET, Highmark Stadium
Louisville City FC vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – September 15, 7:30p.m. ET, Louisville Slugger Field

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