Top scorer issued red card as Riverhounds lose in Louisville

In a battle of the top two teams in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference coming into the weekend, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds dropped a 2-0 decision at Louisville City FC on Saturday night.

To make matters worse, the Riverhounds lost leading scorer Dane Kelly to a red card in the 80th minute.

Kelly, the all-time leader in goals in USL Championship history, was whistled for a foul after contact with a defender and was originally given a yellow card, but after discussion by the officials, it was changed to a red.

Barring an appeal, Kelly will have to serve a one-game suspension when the Riverhounds (5-2-1) host Birmingham Legion next Saturday.

With the win, Louisville City moves four points clear in the Eastern Conference standings. The Riverhounds slipped to third at 16 points, one point behind Detroit City.

Louisville City (6-0-3) scored both goals in the first half.

In the 20th minute, Riverhounds keeper Jahmali Waite’s attempted pass was intercepted by Enoch Mushagalusa.

Mushagalusa quickly passed it to Amadou Dia, who fired a low cross into Wilson Harris, who tucked a shot inside the right post.

Late in the first half, Mushagalusa scored a goal that was assisted by Harris.

The Riverhounds had a couple opportunities to find the net but were left wanting.

Alex Dixon had a shot stopped in tight in the 13th minute and Russell Cicerone had an attempt miss high a few minutes after Lousville’s first goal.