When Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC began 2018, much of what is seen now did not exist.
There was no shield in its logo, no “SC” capping its name and an entirely different kit rollout. And within the past month, the team added one more feat to its collection. For the first time in club history, a playoff game is coming to Highmark Stadium.
“It’s truly an honor,” defender Hugh Roberts said. “We’ve felt the tremendous support of the fans throughout the season. We’ve seen the support grow and grow. Having the home playoff game is icing on the cake, but we know we’re not finished yet.”
Locked into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Hounds will not know which club they will face in the postseason’s opening round until the last batch of regular season games wrap up this weekend. To close out its regular season schedule, Pittsburgh (15-4-14) will travel to battle New York Red Bulls II (12-8-13) at 5 p.m. on Sunday at MSU Soccer Park.
With the postseason on the horizon, the Hounds have a dream scenario in front of them – to finish the regular season strong, kick off the playoffs at their home venue and have an opportunity at claiming the USL Cup. All of which truly marks a new era in Pittsburgh soccer.
“We know home field helps tremendously,” Roberts said. “We want to have home field to start off on the right foot and we’re glad we have that. We’re glad we can showcase that to the fans. Pittsburgh soccer has been dying for this, and here we are. This is a great experience for us, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Now as the team looks to head into the playoffs strong, here is a look back at key performers during the second half of the season.
ELITE 11 – A LOOK AT THE BEST PERFORMERS OF THE SECOND HALF
Forward: Neco Brett
As the Hounds’ leading goalscorer in the second half, Neco Brett has dominated the scoresheet. His seven second-half goals bring him to 15 total tallies this season, which currently ties as the third most single-season goals in club history. During Week 21 of league play, Brett was named USL Player of the Week after posting three goals in two matches.
Midfielders: Mouhamed Dabo, Kenardo Forbes, Christiano François and Ben Zemanski
In the holding midfield, Mouhamed Dabo and Ben Zemanski have played exceptionally well, both creating chances and winning possession for the squad. Dabo has played a full-90 minutes in the past 15 matches whereas Zemanski has posted five second-half points (2G/1A).
As for the attacking midfield, Christiano François and Kenardo Forbes have taken ahold of the team’s chances created. Both players are tied for the team lead with 54 key passes while setting career highs in points (13 points for François and 16 points for Forbes).
Defenders: Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover, Joe Greenspan, Hugh Roberts and Thomas Vancaeyezeele
Playing on the flank of the defense, Jordan Dover has provided the club with an avenue to flip the field. Ranking second on the team with 71 tackles, the outside defender has also potted a goal from the defensive position. Thomas Vancaeyezeele has played all across the squad’s backline and leads the Hounds with 209 duels won this season.
Tobi Adewole, Joe Greenspan and Hugh Roberts have held down the center of the backline for much of the second half. They are the only Hounds to have at least 90 clearances this season. Greenspan and Roberts also have two USL Team of the Week honors since Week 17 of action.
Goalkeeper: Dan Lynd
With three second-half clean sheets, Dan Lynd upped his single-season, team-record total to 12 shutouts. His averages have also maintained, as he sports a .700 save percentage and 0.76 goals-against average, which is the best mark in club history (minimum five games played). Despite missing a month of the second half due to injury, Lynd has added three wins to his goalkeeper-leading total of 10 victories.
