Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC head coach Bob Lilley never misses a teaching moment, and he showcased his willingness to call out commands to his players in the team’s home opener against Penn FC.
“Romeo, pull that way,” Lilley said to forward Romeo Parkes from the sideline while waving his arm to gesture the tactic. “Pull that way and you can make a run.”
Arriving in Pittsburgh this past offseason, Lilley has been meticulous when it comes to implementing his system.
The first taste of these intricacies the team received happened at the commencement of training camp in February. As a mix of signed athletes and trialists participated in drills, Lilley frequently would stop play and incorporate demonstrations of how players should be positioned and where the ball would need to travel.
These demonstrations spilled over from the practice field into preseason games as well. Even during play, Lilley would call a player over to the bench to exhibit the style of soccer he envisions and demands. He never missed a teaching moment.
Through the first 17 games of Lilley’s career with the Hounds, the team has responded to his unrelenting determination to build an elite club. Pittsburgh has already set a team record with 12 single-season shutouts. Also, the squad’s 0.41 goals-against average is on pace to shatter the previous single-season best mark of 0.85, which was set in 2004.
All of these feats factor in with the vision Lilley has had since his first day at the helm.
“You got to make sure you continue to move forward because the league is always going to get better,” Lilley said during a press conference that introduced him as head coach this past November. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff. Ultimately, we want to build a consistent winner here that’s in the playoffs every year and ultimately wins a championship.”
Now as the team looks to build upon a strong first half, here is a look back at key performers through the first 17 games of the season.
ELITE 11 – A LOOK AT THE FIRST HALF’S TOP PERFORMERS
Forward: Neco Brett
In his first season with the Hounds, Neco Brett has made an immediate impact on the team’s offense. He paces the squad in goals (eight), points (19) shots (28) and shots on goal (17). His eight tallies rank tied for fifth most in the Eastern Conference after Week 17, and the striker earned two USL Team of the Week honors, including Player of the Week for his hat trick against Toronto FC II during Week 4 action.
Midfielders: Kenardo Forbes, Christiano François, Kevin Kerr and Thomas Vancaeyezeele
As attacking wingers, Kevin Kerr and Christiano François place first and second on the squad in chances created, respectively. Ranking second on the squad with eight points, Kerr has had a historic first half, as the veteran moved into second place in club history in both appearances and points. Meanwhile, François is in the midst of his first campaign with Pittsburgh and leads the team with 54 crosses to pair with two goals and an assist.
In the holding midfield, Kenardo Forbes has been one of the best sources of distribution for the club. The Kingston, Jamaica native leads the team with 59.9 passes per 90 minutes and is tied for the team lead with four assists. Joining Forbes, Thomas Vancaeyezeele is the only athlete to play every minute (1,530) of the season thus far for the Hounds. The rookie also leads the Black and Gold with 45 interceptions and 123 duels won.
Defenders: Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Joe Greenspan, Ray Lee and Hugh Roberts
On the flanks of the defense, Jordan Dover and Ray Lee have combined for 2,611 minutes and 29 games started. Dover leads the club with eight blocks and 48 tackles whereas Ray Lee sits second with 52 crosses and 36 tackles.
Forming the center of the backline, Hugh Roberts, Joe Greenspan and Tobi Adewole rank first, second and tied for third in clearances on the club, respectively. Adewole was named USL Team of the Week twice this season, and Roberts and Greenspan also have each obtained one weekly honor. Battling injuries this year, Greenspan has logged 556 minutes across seven games played and has not yet been on the field for a goal against.
Goalkeeper: Dan Lynd
Dan Lynd already has had a record-setting season, as the first half of the campaign comes to a close. His nine shutouts not only rank tied for first in the Eastern Conference after Week 17 action, but also matched the single-season record in franchise history. Playing his first campaign with the club, Lynd has posted a 0.50 goals-against average in 14 matches. This is the lowest career mark in club history of goalkeepers with at least 500 minutes. His career .800 save percentage with the club also is the best mark in team history of keepers with at least 500 minutes.
