PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds very nearly managed a vital win but a late equalizer cost them dearly as the Rochester Rhinos scored late to seal a 1-1 draw at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night. A poor pass with 19 minutes to go allowed Pittsburgh to jump into the lead as the Riverhounds pounced on the ball allowing Kay Banjo to exchange passes with Kevin Kerr, who was given the space to shoot across the face and in to the back of the net. Rhinos defender Joe Farrell broke the home fans' hearts in the 90th minute after a great cross from Christiano Francois found the wide open center back in the penalty area, and Farrell easily headed home the late equalizer. Rhinos midfielder Wal Fall had the first chance of the match in the 34th minute from a corner kick, as he leaped the highest but could only find the crossbar. That sparked the Rhinos into action, as they began getting the ball into the box more frequently. Kerr hit the back of the net for the Riverhounds in the 59th minute with a good chip, but he made his run too early, the goal being chalked off for offside. Kenardo Forbes found space in the 63rd minute to shoot at goal but was denied by the Riverhounds goalkeeper Matt Perrella to keep things scoreless.

Scoring:
71’- PGH – Kevin Kerr (Kay Banjo)
90’ – ROC – Joseph Farrell (Christiano Francois)

#PGHvROC: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Rochester's traditionally strong defense hasn't conceded more than one goal since August 5th and not conceded more than two since April 15th, the only time that occurred this season. While the Rhinos weren't able to earn another shutout on Saturday night, they managed to retain that defensive record, restricting the Riverhounds to just one goal.

• 2. The Rhinos' recent domination very nearly didn’t continue but the late goal kept a strong run for the Rhinos against their USL Eastern Conference rivals. With the draw Rochester has now avoided defeat against Pittsburgh in eight straight matches.

• 3. Pittsburgh needed a win to get back in to the USL Cup Playoff places but they just couldn’t do it, falling at the very death. While a draw is not as big a problem as a loss for the Riverhounds, depending on results this weekend they could be as much as four points adrift from the playoff positions ahead of another big game next weekend against in-state rival Bethlehem Steel FC.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Kevin Kerr, Pittsburgh Riverhounds – Scoring the opening goal was the icing on the cake of a good performance from the Riverhounds captain Kerr. The midfielder created two chances for team mates in the match, while winning four duels, and drawing two fouls, forcing the Rhinos into errors throughout the match.

Upcoming Games:
Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Bethlehem Steel FC – September 24, 3 p.m. ET, Goodman Stadium
Rochester Rhinos at Louisville City FC – September 20, 7:30 p.m. ET, Slugger Field