Leviathan get win over Pittsburgh

AVON — In a matter of a week Lorain County transformed itself from a team that struggled to score to one that finds the back of the net with ease. The Leviathan scored three goals for the third match in a row Saturday as they improved to 3-1-1 in the USL2's Great Forest Division with a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2 at ForeFront Field. One of the newest additions to the Leviathan roster, left wing Sam Brittain, made his presence felt almost immediately. Making his first start, Brittain, who was acquired by Lorain County last week as a transfer from Peoria City, scored off an assist by Dakota Jonke in the 13th minute to give Lorain County a 1-0 lead. "The coaches gave me a chance today and it was great feeling to deliver in front of our fans," said Brittain, a Berkshire England native who plays collegiately at Tiffin University. "There's a great bunch of lads on this team and the coaches are helping me every day to get better. I've been lucky to get a chance. The coaches have shown they believe in me and I'm trying to take advantage of the opportunity." The Riverhounds (3-2-1) tied the game in the 33rd minute on a goal from Nicholas Lengendre. Legendre, who plays for UNLV after beginning his college career at Notre Dame, scored Pittsburgh's other goal in 87th minute. The Leviathan took a 2-1 lead into halftime thanks to an unassisted goal from Westlake native and Indiana University midfielder Justin Shreffler. After being held to one goal in its first two matches, Lorain County is averaging two goals per game as it approaches the midway mark of the season. "The team is starting to gel together," Leviathan coach Blake New said. One place we thought we were a little bit thin was in the wide spaces and Sam has come in. He's a little more comfortable than he was even five days ago. He's a quality player and we're really happy to have him." Striker Stefan Velickovic provided the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute when he got his right foot on a rebounded shot inside the 6-yard box and sent it into the back of the net. "We've had more training sessions now and that translates into what we do in the games," said Velickovic, who is a GlenOak High School grad. "This is only the start. We have half the season to go and it's only going to be up from here." Zoltan Nagy started in goal for Lorain County, and the former St. Edward player made six saves, as the Riverhounds put constant pressure on the defense throughout the night. "Pittsburgh is a very ball-dominant team," New said. "Sometimes good teams have to win ugly if you will. We'd prefer to be on the ball more, but tonight we had to sit in the lower block and absorb some of their pressure. We did a really good job of defending and taking our chances well tonight." The Leviathan are tied with the Riverhounds and Steel City FC atop the division table with 10 points. After playing three matches in seven days, Lorain County will have a week off before hosting Akron City FC on June 13. "It's nice to have a week now," New said. "We can let them rest a few days and then we'll get back at it." Contact Todd Shapiro at (440) 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.