Bertin Jacquesson nets hat trick to boost Riverhounds' playoff hopes with win over Miami

Former Pitt standout Bertin Jacquesson recorded the 13th hat trick in team history as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-0 victory over last-place Miami FC on Saturday night.

Jacquesson, playing his fourth game with the Hounds since being acquired on loan from Real Salt Lake of MLS, netted the team's first three-goal game of the season and first since Albert Dikwa scored three in a 3-1 win over Memphis on March 18, 2023.

Edward Kizza also scored for the Hounds (9-10-12), who moved within two points of Loudoun United in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the USL Championship's Eastern Conference. Loudoun has a game in hand.

In the 42nd minute, Junior Etou took on a defender one on one and delivered a cross that Jacquesson knocked in at the far post. In the 51st minute, Jacquesson took a tight-angle shot rom the right wing that banked in off the far post.

In the 58th minute, Kizza found a loose ball in the penalty area and scored on a turning shot inside the left post.

In the 76th minute, Jacquesson took a long diagonal pass from Bradley Sample and sent it past charging goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi to complete his hat trick.

Gabriel Perrotta posted his first professional shutout by making four saves to blank Miami (3-27-2).

The Riverhounds return home to face the Charleston Battery at 7 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium.