The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated Major League Soccer opponent New York City FC 1-0 on Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 32. Beto Ydrach scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time to secure the victory for the USL Championship side at Highmark Stadium.
Ydrach's goal came from a corner kick delivered by Robbie Mertz. The header found the top corner of the net with seconds remaining in the match's five minutes of added time. This marked Ydrach's first goal as a professional player.
The Riverhounds played against 10 men for the final minutes of the match after NYC FC's Strahinja Tanasijevic received a red card at 77:22 for pulling down Riverhounds substitute Bradley Sample. Despite the numerical disadvantage, New York City FC generated several scoring opportunities.
Riverhounds goalkeeper Eric Dick recorded the clean sheet. Dick made several stops and received help from the crossbar on a late shot attempt by NYC FC's Julian Fernandez. Fernandez missed a one-timer attempt from Agustin Ojeda late in the second half that hit the side netting.
Bertin Jacquesson made his first start for the Riverhounds after returning from a hamstring injury. He created chances in the first half, including a shot from a free kick and another shot just before halftime that was saved by New York City FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero.
Riverhounds coach Bob Lilley made several lineup decisions, including subbing in Ydrach late in the game. Lilley also opted not to play striker Augi Williams, saving him for an upcoming league match. Midfielder Junior Etou was unavailable due to injury.
New York City FC coach Pascal Jansen noted that his team found urgency after going down a man, creating opportunities despite the disadvantage.
With the victory, the Riverhounds advance to face Philadelphia Union in the Round of 16. The match is scheduled for either May 20 or 21. The Riverhounds return to USL Championship play Saturday against Louisville City FC.
Ydrach described the game-winning goal as a moment worked toward throughout his career.
“We all work really hard for moments like that and, to be able to do something like that in your career is something special,” Ydrach said.
