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Real Maryland ended its season on a positive note, drawing 1-1 with the Pitsburgh Riverhounds at Chartiers Valley High School.

Pittsburgh needed a win and a Cleveland City win or draw at Wilmington in order to finish in the sixth and final USL-2 playoff spot, but Real Maryland were content to play the role of spoiler.

Needing all three points, Pittsburgh went on the attack early and the writing was on the wall as Pittsburgh threatened in the first five minutes. Boyzzz Khumalo cut into the box from the right and laid the ball off for Jason Kutney whose one time blast was well saved by Real Maryland keeper Oscar Araujo at full stretch.

Kutney would get his revenge on Araujo four minutes later as Real Maryland continued its habit of conceding early goals. Justin Evans sent a diagonal ball for Kutney who snuck behind the Real Maryland back line. Kutney cut into the box and curled his shot inside the far post.

Pittsburgh continued to attack as Khumalo cut in from the right and shot into the side netting.

Jean Robbens Jerome then dribbled through four Monarch defenders, but shot weakly at Araujo.

The onslaught continued as both Travis Mackenzie and Nathan Salsi headed over from corner kicks.

Towards the end of the half, the Monarchs settled into a good period of possession and generated some offense. Pablo Gomez came closest when he cut across the top of the box and put his effort firmly on target, but Riverhounds goalie Zach Varga was well positioned to make the save.

The Riverhounds begin the second half pushing for a second goal. They almost found it 10 minutes in when a Janick Greg long ball from the back released Khumalo. The Costal Carolina product walked in on goal and fired his shot just wide of Araujo’s far post.

Khumalo missed another chance ten minutes later. Kutney darted into the box and laid the ball off for the unguarded striker who blasted well over from the top of the box.

The misses proved costly as Real Maryland tied the game against the run of play in the 68th minute. Pablo Gomez slipped by his defender on the right and crossed for a streaking William Brindley to finish with authority.

Pittsburgh went back on the attack and Evans fired just over the bar after poor clearance from a corner fell to him at the top of the box.

Substitute Leon Brown almost gave the Riverhounds the goal they needed seven minutes from time when he raced into the box and fired his shot just wide of the near post.

Brindley could have won the game for Real Maryland when Clint Loughner’s cross found him unmarked at the far post. Brindley took the ball down on his chest, but sent his volley over the bar.

Pittsburgh had three glaring opportunities to score in injury time, but the Monarchs defense were up to the task and held on for the point.