PITTSBURGH (March 25, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-0-1) and defending league champion New York Red Bulls II (0-0-1) battled to a 3-3 draw in a back-and-forth affair that saw the Hounds three times overcome one-goal deficits.

Opening the 2017 season in front of 3,352 people at Highmark Stadium, the Hounds were buoyed by a two-goal performance from Corey Hertzog, as well as one goal from captain Kevin Kerr. Netting the tallies for New York was Vincent Bezecourt, also with two goals, and Florian Valot.

The pace of play was flying to open the match, as both clubs traded several chances resulting in a 1-1 score after 10 minutes. Pittsburgh had two near misses. In the second minute, Jack Thompson saw his shot from the center of the box miss high, and then in the fourth minute, Hertzog had a go from distance that missed right of the goal.

New York would not miss, converting on its first serious threat in the sixth minute, as Arun Basuljevic split the Hounds defense with a through-ball into the box to Valot for the eventual score.

The opposing squad’s lead was short lived, however, as Hertzog went full-highlight reel just minutes later. Receiving the ball on the end line from Taylor Washington, Hertzog eluded two defenders and goalkeeper Rafael Diaz in an incredible balancing act before slotting the ball home.

The next couple minutes followed a similar theme with Pittsburgh controlling possession, but New York being opportunistic.

In the 16th minute, Andrew Tinari flicked a useful ball to Bezecourt in space, who then fired a shot past a diving Keasel Broome to recapture a 2-1 lead.

Strong keeper play from Broome kept the deficit at one before a pretty run by defender Rich Balchan, making his Hounds debut, led to the first half equalizer in the 39th minute. Balchan, Marshall Hollingsworth and Kerr connected with a quick three-touch effort resulting in the latter finishing past Diaz.

Locked at two at halftime, pace of play slowed considerably in the final 45 minutes. Physical play resulted in five cautions alone for the Hounds, as well as penalty kicks for each club.

New York was awarded the first PK in the 75th minute after Ryan Adeleye fouled second-half sub Ben Mines in the box. Bezecourt would go onto secure the brace on the penalty try.

The Hounds attack did not relent though, mounting a considerable amount of pressure following the penalty, including a shot from distance by Victor Souto forcing a save from Diaz. Regaining possession shortly after the save, the Hounds were awarded a PK in the 80th minute after Hertzog was taken down.

Shooting for his second goal of the night, Hertzog’s penalty take was initially saved by Diaz. The Hounds forward though stayed with the shot after Diaz could not maintain possession, collecting the rebound and beating the keeper on the second chance attempt to secure a point for the Hounds.

The draw marked an encouraging start to the season for the Hounds compared to last year, when the club scored three or more goals only twice. For Hertzog, his two-goal effort was the third of his career with Pittsburgh and his now 15 career goals in Black and Gold move him into a tie for eighth all-time in club history – Said Ali and Gary DePalma being the other two.

The Hounds are right back at it next Saturday at Highmark Stadium, as they will take on FC Cincinnati at 5 p.m. For more information, visit Riverhounds.com.