The Pittsburgh Riverhounds extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches with a gritty 1-1 draw against Orange County SC at Highmark Stadium. Despite dominating possession and outshooting their Western Conference visitors 17-3, the Hounds were forced to settle for a single point after a sluggish first half and missed opportunities late. Orange County struck first in the 40th minute when Ethan Zubak headed home a pinpoint free kick from Stephen Kelly, capitalizing on Pittsburgh’s foul-riddled start and defensive lapses.
The Riverhounds struggled to find rhythm early, committing 16 fouls and earning three yellow cards before halftime. Forward Augi Williams was particularly active—registering three shots and drawing multiple fouls—but his aggressive play also led to a booking and eventual substitution at the break. Head coach Bob Lilley made tactical adjustments, bringing on rookie Charles Ahl to inject fresh energy into the attack. The shift paid off as Pittsburgh surged forward in the second half, winning set pieces and applying pressure on Orange County’s back line.
The equalizer came in the 67th minute off a well-executed corner kick. Robbie Mertz delivered a curling ball toward the near post, where Sean Suber flicked it across the face of goal to Guillaume Vacter, who nodded it in at the back post for his first professional goal. Vacter’s header not only leveled the match but also capped a standout performance from the rookie center back, who led the team in clearances and aerial duels won. Suber nearly snatched a late winner in stoppage time, but his header sailed just over the bar, leaving the Hounds to rue missed chances.
With the draw, Pittsburgh remains fifth in the Eastern Conference, one point shy of fourth-place Loudoun United. While the unbeaten run is impressive, Lilley voiced frustration over dropped points at home, noting that three draws in their last four matches have stunted their climb up the standings. The Riverhounds now turn their attention to a pivotal clash against second-place Charleston Battery, a matchup Lilley views as a litmus test for his squad’s playoff ambitions