PITTSBURGH (November 6, 2021) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is deeply disappointed at the cancellation of our Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match Sunday at Birmingham Legion FC, which was announced by the USL Championship this morning.
The cancellation is the result of a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases within our team. Because of the positive tests, it was determined that there was no way for the team to safely travel to Birmingham, Ala., and field a full, competitive team for Sunday’s playoff match.
The most important thing for our club is the safety of our players. Those who have tested positive are currently in quarantine, and we hope for a rapid and full recovery for all of our players experiencing symptoms.
“I’m gutted right now for Bob Lilley, his staff and our players to have the season end like this after all their hard work,” Riverhounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger said. “I’m also disappointed for our fans, who have been behind us all season. I hate to see our season end this way, but we’re going to come back even stronger next season.”
Our club also wishes to express their disappointment for Birmingham Legion FC. While they will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and continue their season, we know their team and fans were looking forward to hosting this weekend’s playoff game. The Hounds wish the Legion the best of luck for the rest of their playoff run.
The Hounds will begin preparations for the 2022 season soon, and we look forward to returning to the field next year in pursuit of a USL Championship title.
UPDATE (6:45 p.m.): With respect to the privacy of our players and staff, the team would like to provide more details, as much as is possible.
First and foremost, every effort was made by the Hounds to field a team for tomorrow’s match. But once the number of positive tests during the past week ruled out enough players to make it clear that would not be possible — and with pushing the entire USL Championship Playoffs back 10 days or more not being a reasonable or fair option — the cancellation was announced for the safety of both teams.
The Hounds’ “Covered Persons” — players and traveling staff — under the USL’s COVID-19 policy are fully vaccinated at a 93 percent rate, and a number of our players have received a “booster” (third dose) shot, as well. The club has also been diligent to keep its facilities disinfected and to comply with the league’s health policies throughout the season. Unfortunately, infections can occur even while taking the proper precautions, which happened in this instance.
For privacy reasons, no information will be disclosed regarding individuals’ tests. Further inquiries or requests for interviews should be directed to the club’s Communications staff.