Watch CBS News

Riverhounds' Romeo Parkes Kicks Bulls Player In Back During Game

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Riverhounds lost to the New York Red Bulls II 3-1 at Highmark Stadium Saturday night to continue their poor start to the 2016 season. That was not the story of the night though, as Hounds leading scorer Romeo Parkes is looking at some serious consequences for a vicious incident in the second half.

Parkes kicked Red Bulls defenseman Karl Ouimette in the back late in the second half as frustrations boiled over as the Hounds were poised for another loss at home. The ugly reaction to a red card left Ouimette on a stretcher and Parkes facing a lengthy ban and possibly even more.

The night started quite differently for Parkes, he put the Hounds ahead early in the first half when he coolly put the ball past the Red Bulls goaltender after breaking away from the defense. That was Parkes fifth goal for Pittsburgh this year, leading the Hounds offense and showing great skill and touch at times.

It was all downhill after that for the Hounds, New York quickly equalized and the early lead was gone within minutes when Anatole Abang headed in from close range.

The two teams exchanged chances throughout the rest of the first half and deep in to the second half, but the Red Bulls were the team to grab the go ahead goal. Hounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap failed to control a cross and Stefano Bonomo was there to pounce on the ball and put the visitors ahead. Gilstrap looked uneasy in his decision making on both goals, failing to deal with a cross coming in from a wide area.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

The Red Bulls doubled their lead when Derrick Etienne volleyed in from close range, connecting on a beautiful pass from Junior Flemings, making it 3-1 NYRB II late in the second half.

Tempers heated as the Hounds pushed to get back in to the game; these two teams do have some history, with Pittsburgh losing to New York in last year's USL playoffs. A scrum ensued after Hounds defenseman Willie Hunt was fouled near midfield, with the two teams coming together. Parkes and Ouimette were spoken to by the ref and both shown red cards. As Ouimette walked away, Parked kicked him in the back with his spikes, injuring the defender to the point he had to be stretchered off. No update on his condition, but we all hope he is alright. Parkes will for sure be shown a lengthy ban and I would not be surprised if this is the last time we see him in a Hounds jersey. Such a shame as he was showing so much potential to carry the load offensively for Pittsburgh.

The Hounds travel to Cincinnati next weekend for a 7PM kickoff, the loss leaves them at 0-3-3.

Story written by Jon Kimble

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.