PITTSBURGH (February 8, 2019) - In its first preseason match of the season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated Cleveland State University, 1-0, on Friday night at Highmark Stadium.

Tied at 0-0 for much of the game, the Hounds ultimately broke through with the game-winning goal in the 84th minute, courtesy of trialist Mark Forrest.

The first half of play was quiet, with neither team able to find much of a rhythm offensively. Cleveland State earned two corner kick opportunities in the 30th minute, but both attempts resulted in little success.

A long shot attempt from defender Caleb Smith gave the Black and Gold their lone shot on goal of the opening period, but the trialist’s chance fell into the waiting hands of Cleveland State’s goalkeeper.

Following the halftime break, the Hounds managed to piece together more offensive chances. The first opportunity came in the 50th minute off the foot of midfielder Anthony Velarde from about 15 yards out, but a diving effort from Cleveland State’s keeper kept Pittsburgh off the board. 

Trialist Devyn Jambga fired another shot on goal in the 64th minute, but another save kept the score knotted at 0-0.

Just five minutes later, the Hounds put together what was likely their best opportunity of the match to that point. Velarde lofted a corner kick opportunity into the 18-yard box, and a diving header from Forrest rang off the crossbar.

It wasn’t long until the forward got another crack at the cage, and in the 84th minute his powerful strike from inside the penalty box gave the Hounds a 1-0 advantage.

Riverhounds SC fought off Cleveland State in the game’s final minutes, and Forrest’s goal proved to be enough for a victory.

The Hounds will be back in action at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Highmark Stadium with a preseason matchup against Gannon University. Admission is free to the public. 

Lineups:

First Half– Casey Beyers – Caleb Smith, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Jordan Skelton, Tam Dimairo – Ryan James, Kosti Moni – Tommy Buono, Steevan Dos Santos, Oliver White – Eddy Enowbi

Second Half– David Greczek – Brennan Ireland, Joe Greenspan, Nadeer Ghantous, Ryan Gallagher – Hakan Redzep, Mouhamed Dabo – Ryan Peterson, Anthony Velarde, Devyn Jambga – Mark Forrest

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Mark Forrest 84’ (Joe Greenspan)