Saints Remain Undefeated at Home

June 1st, 2015

Charlie Hatch

The Cincinnati Saints remain undefeated at home in their 2015 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) campaign after defeating Fort Pitt Regiment 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at Angus King Stadium.

The Saints have now won their last two matches and coach Dave Wall said he’s pleased with his club’s progress.

“Today was a good game,” Wall said. “The overall play is good. We’ve played two at home and we’ve got six points, which we needed to do.”

Midfielder Phil Hagerty opened the scoring in the sixth minute when his low, driven shot from the left side beat the Fort Pitt goalkeeper, Brenden Alfery, at the back post. It was Hagerty’s second goal this season, with his first coming in the 2-1 loss at FC Buffalo.

“I’m just getting put in good positions,” Hagerty said. “I’m trying to make runs off the other forwards and midfielders and do more playing with the ball. We’re working well as a team to find space for each other. I just happened to be the guy at the right time.”

Hagerty almost scored again in the 43rd minute when his free kick from 19 yards out slammed off the crossbar. After the match, Wall said he was pleased with the shot but was disappointed no one was there to finish the rebound.

“Phil’s a good player for us,” Wall said. “He’s very, very clever with the ball and skillful and he had a good performance today.”

Hagerty also set up the second goal when he was fouled in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. In-form forward Khristian Montoya tucked it into the left corner, giving the Saints a 2-0 lead, while also scoring his third goal in two matches.

In the 77th minute, Fort Pitt's Nathan McCann received a red card giving up a penalty, but forward Joshua Henderson’s effort was saved.

The Saints will continue their campaign June 6 with a road trip to face rivals AFC Cleveland.

“It’s just great keeping the momentum going from our last week,” Hagerty said.  “Having the home win and then keeping that going forward. We’re definitely playing really well. This game we got even better.”

Starting lineups

Cincinnati -

Corey Whisenhunt, Gary Henderson, Mitch Deyhle, Tony Wigham, Drew Midkiff, Scott Shugh, John Cottrell, Phil Hagerty, Marc Hansson, RJ Best, Khristian Montoya.

Substitutions

Cincinnati -
Justin Smith, Ryan Handbury, Joel Hansson, Joshua Henderson, Craig Herd