They needed just three points.
But three points can seem distant at times. Times when you’re away from home. Times when you’re playing on short rest without your minutes leader. Times that felt more like déjà vu.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC was there before. Literally. Ahead 1-0 on the road at Memphis 901 FC this past May, the team saw its lead and efforts washed away because of game abandonment due to a storm cell that opened up upon AutoZone Park.
Four months later, the match would be rescheduled three days after a showdown against MLS-bound Nashville SC. The Hounds fought tooth and nail against the foe, earning a point – but with a cost. Center back and minutes leader Tobi Adewole fell victim to a red card in the 40th minute, causing the squad to play a man down for the remaining 50 minutes.
Short rest is no easy task, especially on a road trip. Draining tired legs even more would be the tremendous effort set forth by the Black and Gold in its one-point showing at Nashville. With a 24 percent possession share in the second half at First Tennessee Park, Pittsburgh used every bit of energy clearing scoring opportunities, chasing passes and blocking shots to preserve the clean sheet.
After this resilient effort, Memphis presented a daunting task. Sitting just outside of a playoff spot, the USL Championship newcomer was desperate for points. This urgency was exemplified in its recent play, as the club had a conference-high four-game winning streak heading into Tuesday.
The Hounds’ answer to this? Using depth to their advantage with some added yoga. Yes, yoga.
When the club arrived in Memphis, it stumbled upon a Hollywood filmmaker’s set, figuratively. With the sun falling behind a grand, overarching tree providing ideal cinematography, the Hounds took to the mats. One stretch at a time, the team had an opportunity to release built up stress.
Two days later, Pittsburgh flipped its starting lineup. Seven of the squad’s starting 11 did not begin the Nashville game. But this group of Hounds, like the others, was more than ready to take a bite out of the opposition.
Perhaps the best thing for a team on short rest is to notch an early goal. Obtain the early goal, and then play the possession game. In the 15th minute against Memphis, the Hounds were gifted an opportunity.
Awarded a corner kick, Robbie Mertz walked to the end of the pitch to provide service. With the swing of his leg, the 5-foot-7-inch rookie sent a ball to 6-foot-6-inch Joe Greenspan, who soared up from the center of the penalty box. The center back placed touch on a header, directing it into the bottom right-hand corner of the net and freezing the Memphis goalkeeper in the process.
Up 1-0, the Hounds now had to play out the remaining 75 minutes. The team went into the half controlling the pace, logging a 55 percent possession share. Although, this would flip in the second set of 45 minutes.
As the Hounds aimed to preserve the clean sheet, Memphis posted a 71 percent possession share in the second half. However, the Black and Gold shut down passing lanes and chances. Memphis recorded just two shots on goal over the course of the match, and both tries came from outside of the 18-yard box.
But again, three points can be near at times. Times when the entire team puts forth great effort in tough road environments. Times when the entire team stays composed. Times that felt more like déjà vu.
For at the final whistle against Memphis, Pittsburgh clinched playoff berth for the second straight season.
