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3 Things: #PITvATX

The Riverhounds have won two on the hop, and they’re looking to make it three in a row when they host Austin Bold in the first-ever meeting between the two clubs at Highmark Stadium. The match, a 6 p.m. kickoff on Sunday, will be televised on 22 The Point and streamed on ESPN+.

While it can be hard to predict what will happen against a brand new opponent, here are this weekend’s things to watch for in the match:

1) Do your homework

With no matches against a current Western Conference team since 2014, it has been some time since there was a need to prepare for — or even scout — a team from the other conference.

Bob Lilley and staff are having to do that with just three days to prepare after playing midweek at Loudoun United, and it will be interesting to see if they opt for game-specific tactics or keep things more vanilla in terms of formation.

One name that isn’t a stranger is Austin forward Sean Okoli, the 2016 USL MVP with FC Cincinnati. He returned to USL last season after stints in MLS and in Europe, and he already has one goal in the Bold’s first four matches this season. Slowing him will be the No. 1 defensive priority, but how the Hounds go about doing that will come from a 72-hour cram session of film and training.

2) Our Xs from Texas

The Xs in this case are the ones in the name of Alex Dixon, the Houston native who has been the Hounds’ most incisive attacking runner in the past few matches.

Dixon has been, by far, the most consistent player getting behind defenses down both wings, and as a result, his last two games have produced two assists, a goal, a penalty kick drawn and an own goal scored from one of his crosses. If you’re keeping count, that’s five of the Hounds’ six goals accounted for.

Look for Dixon again to try to get the Austin back three to turn their shoulders and have to chase him, but also look for others on the Hounds to try and emulate the runs Dixon has made, as the veteran has provided a blueprint for what makes this side the most successful in attack.

3) Who’s fresh?

That will be a question asked by both coaches, especially with temperatures Sunday expected to peak in the low 90s. The Hounds had a four-hour bus trip back after facing Loudoun on Wednesday, while Austin had a home game Thursday, a 1-0 loss to El Paso, before boarding a flight to the Steel City.

On short rest, expect both teams to employ a little bit of squad rotation. Regular Hounds starters Danny Vitiello and Jordan Dover both began Wednesday’s match on the bench, as did Dani Rovira, Jelani Peters and Tommy Williamson, all of whom have at least one start to their name in the young season.

It’s a very safe bet that some, if not many or all, of those players will be in the Starting XI. Still, it’s unknown whether Lilley will give Danny Griffin, who has played every minute this season in the midfield, or captain Kenardo Forbes a spot on the bench or a day off altogether.

Hounds hang on for second straight road win at Loudoun United

LEESBURG, Va. (June 2, 2021) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC picked up its second consecutive win, holding off Loudoun United FC, 3-2, on Wednesday night at Segra Field.

Anthony Velarde’s first goal of the season and an own goal staked the Hounds to a 2-0 halftime lead. Jovanny Bolivar cut the margin in half for Loudoun (1-3-0), but Russell Cicerone converted a penalty kick to reestablish a two-goal lead for the Hounds (2-2-1).

Logan Panchot made it 3-2 in the 70th minute, setting up a frantic finish that saw both teams have chances barely miss in stoppage time.

First half

Things started well for the Hounds, and their early edge in possession and shots — the Hounds took the first seven shots of the match — paid off in the 18th minute.

Alex Dixon got behind the left side of the Loudoun defense, and his cross found a late-running Velarde, whose one-touch finish put the Hounds ahead. For Dixon, it was the second consecutive match with an assist.

In the 41st minute, Dixon again created a goal, this time sending the service into the box from the right side. The cross was directed toward the head of Kenardo Forbes, but it ended up striking Loudoun’s Wahab Ackwei and going into the defender’s own net.

Second half

Loudoun came out much stronger after the break, and Bolivar put the home team on the board in the 50th minute with a second-chance shot after the initial attempt at goal was blocked.

Dixon again helped create the next Hounds goal, as he got behind the Loudoun defense and was bowled over from behind by defender Micael DeShields, earning a penalty kick. Cicerone stepped up and placed a low shot into the corner of the net for his team-leading third goal of the season.

Panchot cut the lead to 3-2 with Loudoun’s second goal, a low, driven shot from outside the box that capped a good counter-attacking move.

From there, the Hounds did what they could to hold on, but they were put under heavy pressure late, as Loudoun finished the match with 60 percent of possession, though shots were even, 12-12.

Danny Griffin nearly sealed the game with a shot that hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but a minute later, Preston Kilwien was able to clear a Loudoun chance off the Hounds’ goal line that would have tied the game.

Hounds Man of the Match

For the second game in a row, Alex Dixon was at the heart of the Hounds attack. Though he didn’t finish this one with a goal, his crosses set up Anthony Velarde and created the own goal that went the Hounds way, and he drew the foul that led to Russell Cicerone’s penalty kick goal.

What’s next

The Hounds return home this Sunday for a first-ever meeting with Western Conference opponent Austin Bold (1-1-1). The match will be shown on 22 The Point and streamed on ESPN+. Austin plays at home Thursday night against the El Paso Locomotive.

Riverhounds SC lineup (4-4-2) — Jake Leeker; Preston Kilwien, Shane Wiedt, Mekeil Williams, Jalen Robinson (Dani Rovira 59’); Danny Griffin, Kenardo Forbes, Todd Wharton (Louis Perez 83’), Anthony Velarde (Jordan Dover 59’); Alex Dixon (Jelani Peters 83’), Russell Cicerone (Josh Gatt 71’)

Loudoun United FC lineup (3-4-3) — Jermaine Fordah; Wahab Ackwei (Gaoussou Samake 45’), Tommy Mehl, Micael DeShields (Massimo Ferrin 89’); Robby Dambrot, Logan Panchot, Houssou Landru (Ted Ku-Dipietro 45’), Jeremy Garay (Darluis Paz 67’); Samson Sergi, Kairou Amoustapha (Jacob Greene 59’), Jovanny Bolivar

Scoring Summary

PIT – Anthony Velarde 18’ (Alex Dixon)
PIT – Wahab Ackwei 41’ (own goal)
LDN – Jovanny Bolivar 50’
PIT – Russell Cicerone 58’ (penalty)
LDN – Logan Panchot 70’ (Jovanny Bolivar)

Discipline Summary

LDN – Houssou Landru 14’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
LDN – Timmy Mehl 20’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
LDN – Gaoussou Samake 46’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
PIT – Alex Dixon 51’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
LDN – Micael DeShields 57’ (caution – unsporting behavior)
PIT – Josh Gatt 71’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

Road trips are all business for the Hounds

The old adage goes that any time you can get points on the road, it’s a good thing. For the Riverhounds, there’s been a lot of good the past few seasons.

Since the arrival of head coach Bob Lilley in 2018, the Hounds have gone 22-11-12 in league matches away from Highmark Stadium, one of the best marks in the USL Championship over that stretch. That isn’t a coincidence, as lots of planning goes into making a road trip a successful one.

Lilley and assistant coach Dan Visser put plenty of time in planning road trips, as having the players in ideal physical condition is just as important as any tactical preparation. While some of the longer trips involve flights, many, such as tonight’s 7 p.m. kickoff against Loudoun United FC, require loading up on a charter bus the day before the game.

When the Hounds arrive at their destination, they go straight to the field for a short training session, giving the players a chance to stretch their legs. Unlike training sessions at Highmark Stadium, which can run long or be cut short, the coaches stick to a firm time schedule, and the practices involve less talking and more constant movement for a brisk workout. (See the clips above for a glimpse at Tuesday’s training session.)

Once the 60-to-90-minute practice has ended, it’s back on the bus to the team hotel, where a carefully planned meal, team meetings, and most importantly, a good night’s sleep is on the agenda.

Meals and brief walkthrough make up the game day schedule, and roughly two hours before kickoff, the bus arrives back at the venue to suit up for game time.

It’s a pretty simple routine, but it has been a successful one for the Hounds, who have both produced results and avoided too many muscular injuries or other ailments that can be made worse by sitting for a long ride. And, as Lilley said after the team’s 3-0 win last Friday in New York: “It’s always a nicer ride home when you get three points.”

Alex Dixon, Danny Griffin, Dani Rovira named to Team of the Week

PITTSBURGH (June 1, 2021) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC players Alex Dixon, Danny Griffin and Dani Rovira have been named to USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 6 after a 3-0 victory against New York Red Bulls II this past Friday at MSU Soccer Park.

Griffin opened the scoring up in the 22nd minute as he finished up a cross into the box from Albert Dikwa. It was the first goal of the season for the second-year midfielder, who also finished a perfect 4 of 4 in tackles and had nine recoveries and three interceptions in his role holding the center of the park.

Dixon had a goal and an assist in the match, as he scored his first goal as a Hound off a cross from Rovira in the 29th minute of play. Dixon’s no-look assist, when he set up Russell Cicerone in the 50th minute to extend the lead to 3-0, helped land the strike as a nominee for USL Championship Goal of the Week.

Rovira got his first assist of the season on Dixon’s goal, as the defender turned in an excellent two-way match. In addition to getting forward on the wing, he recorded four interceptions, won four tackles and won 10 duels, all while providing excellent cover against speedy New York attackers Roald Mitchell and Omar Sowe.

In addition to the three named to the Starting XI, goalkeeper Danny Vitiello was named to the Team of the Week bench after recording four saves and his first clean sheet of the 2021 season against New York.

Riverhounds SC (1-2-1) will next play Loudoun United FC (1-2-0) at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Segra Field. The match will be televised on ESPN+.

For more information on Team of the Week for Week 6, presented by Cleer Audio, visit uslchampionship.com.

Hounds defeat Red Bulls II, 3-0, for first victory of season

(May 28, 2021) — Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC picked up its first win of the 2021 season by defeating New York Red Bulls II, 3-0, in cold, heavy rain at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, N.J. on Friday night.

Danny Griffin, Alex Dixon and Russell Cicerone scored for the Hounds (1-2-1), who also picked up their first shutout of the season behind a four-save performance by Danny Vitiello.

“We finished our chances. We had some good runs into he box that helped us get into a front position,” Riverhounds head coach Bob Lilley said. “The first goal, there was good movement that opened up space for Danny Griffin. We stretched them wider, and I think that was some of what we worked on this week, and we were able to execute it.”

The Hounds got the job done despite having just 38 percent of possession against a hard-pressing New York (1-3-2) team, but the offensive stats were largely even, including each team having four shots on goal and earning four corner kicks in the match.

The win is the 50th in all competitions for Lilley as the Hounds’ head coach, becoming the first in club history to hit that number, and the 301st win in his career.

“It does put us a little more at ease. We’re used to winning. The last two games could have turned out differently, and I don’t feel like this is the first game we showed up for. Some of the things you saw versus Hartford and versus Charlotte, we saw again today,” Lilley said.

First half

Neither team created much in the opening 10 minutes, but the Hounds began to establish a territorial edge that paid off in the 22nd minute.

Albert Dikwa sent a lofted cross into the box from the left side, and Griffin calmly passed the ball into the net with his first touch, a side-footed volley between a defender and the goalkeeper. The strike was Griffin’s third career goal and first of the season.

Only seven minutes later, Dixon doubled the lead with his first goal for the Riverhounds. Dani Rovira stuck with play as the Red Bulls tried to save the ball from going out for a corner. That turned out to be ill-advised, as Rovira intercepted the clearance attempt and found Dixon making a late run into the box.

Vitiello helped close the half with his biggest save of the match in the 35th minute. New York’s Omar Sowe received a cross-field pass alone on the right side, just 18 yards from goal, but Vitiello charged off his line to cut off the angle and make the one-on-one save.

Second half

The Hounds kept their momentum through halftime, and in the 50th minute had their third goal.

Dixon played the pivot man in a give-and-go, receiving the ball and sliding a no-look, backheel pass back to Cicerone. The clever touch had Cicerone alone with space to shoot, and he made no mistake driving home his second goal of the season.

The Hounds continued to look dangerous before grinding things out over the final 20 minutes.

The shutout survived by the slimmest of margins, as a bad turnover in the 80th minute gave New York’s Serge Ngoma a free run into the right side of the box. Ngoma whipped a dangerous ball across, but Mekeil Williams slid back to redirect the pass off the post before it could find a New York player across the face of the goal.

Hounds Man of the Match

It’s not often that a pass is the highlight of a three-goal game, but Alex Dixon’s no-look back heel to set up Russell Cicerone for the final goal sealed the deal. Dixon earlier picked up his first Riverhounds goal to make the game 2-0 when he placed the ball into the bottom corner of the net on his first touch.

What’s next

The Hounds have a short turnaround, as they travel to Leesburg, Va. to face Loudoun United on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Fortunately for the Hounds, Loudoun (0-2-0) has an even shorter rest period, as they play Saturday at New Mexico United.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC lineup (3-4-3) — Danny Vitiello; Jelani Peters, Shane Wiedt, Mekeil Williams; Dani Rovira (Todd Wharton 78’), Danny Griffin, Kenardo Forbes, Jordan Dover (Jalen Robinson 69’); Albert Dikwa (Preston Kilwien 69’), Alex Dixon (Anthony Velarde 86’), Russell Cicerone (Josh Gatt 86’)

New York Red Bulls II lineup (4-4-2) — Anthony Marcucci; Juan Castillo (Curtis Ofori 85’), Mandela Egbo, Emir Tombul, Joseph Zalinsky; Michael Knapp, Roald Mitchell, Jeremy Rafanello (Matthew Acosta 85’), Jake LaCava; Daniel Edelman (Austin Brummett 67’), Omar Sowe (Serge Ngoma 73’)

Scoring Summary

PIT — Danny Griffin 22’ (Albert Dikwa)

PIT — Alex Dixon 29’ (Dani Rovira)

PIT — Russell Cicerone 50’ (Alex Dixon)

Discipline Summary

NY — Joseph Zalinsky 13’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

NY — Daniel Edelman 61’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

PIT — Dani Rovira 75’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

NY — Emir Tombul 90+1’ (caution – unsporting behavior)

PIT — Preston Kilwien 90+2’ (caution – persistent infringement)

Vitiello shines despite early defensive lapses

When it comes to sports, and especially soccer, players, coaches and fans everywhere know offense might sell tickets, but defense wins championships. However, Danny Vitiello’s outstanding performance in goal during Saturday’s home opener for Riverhounds SC still wasn’t quite enough to win that particular game.

The Riverhounds fell to the Charlotte Independence, 1-0, in the first game played at Highmark Stadium with the attendance of fans since 2019. Though the Hounds outshot Charlotte, 21-8, they were unable to find the back of the net.

Despite the loss, Vitiello’s work to hold Charlotte’s offense to one goal went far from unnoticed.

In the 15th minute of the match, Vitiello made an incredible pair of saves. First, Charlotte’s Brandt Bronico found himself 1-on-1 with the keeper, but his chip shot was refused by Vitiello’s leaping save. Only seconds later, Charlotte’s Jake Areman attempted to put the rebound away from distance, but he also was denied by Vitiello.

“It was a little unorthodox of a save, but in the moment, I just did anything I could to keep the ball out of the net,” Vitiello said. “That’s the job of a keeper, to make each save as it comes.”

Another great opportunity by Charlotte demanded two saves by Vitiello when Kevin Riascos headed a free kick on frame. Vitiello made that save and shuffled across the goal to stop a second chance by Christian Dean, which completed a sequence that earned Vitiello a nomination for USL Championship Save of the Week.

But in the 34th minute, what would be Charlotte’s last look at net in the match came off the head of Irvin Parra and beat Vitiello for the only blemish on his day.

Though the Hounds came close to an equalizer when Russell Cicerone took a left-footed strike with two minutes remaining in the first half and saw various other chances in the second 45 minutes — outshooting Charlotte in the half, 16-2, — they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

“I had a few mistakes in the first half, but I bounced back with a couple of saves,” Vitiello said. “The second half was a bit easier on me. The ball was mostly in their end.”

Vitiello’s stellar performance in goal for the Hounds might not have earned a win Saturday, but it certainly sets the stage for future success. The 25-year-old keeper, who is the reigning USL Championship Golden Glove winner, plans to uphold his growing reputation as a brick wall throughout the season and the duration of his young career.

“I want to reach the highest possible bar for myself and just keep getting better and better,” Vitiello said. “I want to help the team win as many games as possible, and I think getting into the playoffs and a championship is always the goal.”

Reaching that goal begins today, when Vitiello is expected to be back in goal for the Hounds when they visit the New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m.

“I don’t think we’ve reached our full potential yet,” he continued. “Charlotte was our best game so far, and we just have to keep grinding into this weekend versus the Red Bulls.”

Hounds welcome Danny Fisher to Academy staff

PITTSBURGH (May 27, 2021) — The Riverhounds Development Academy is happy to announce the hiring of Danny Fisher to the coaching staff. In addition, Fisher will be tasked with helping the RDA Directors in an administrative role.

Fisher comes to the Hounds after spending the past 12 years with Pacesetter SC in Toledo, Ohio, where he served first as the Director of Coaching (Girls) before ascending to the role of Executive Director of Coaching in 2017.

“We are delighted to welcome Danny and his family back to Pittsburgh. He is tremendously experienced in the game and will help our staff as we continue to grow in all areas of our programming,” RDA Director Scott Gibson said. “He will be bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the RDA, and we are looking forward to getting him started this summer”

Fisher is a native of Staffordshire, England, where he spent time coaching in the academies of EFL sides Walsall, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town from 1997-2006.

While coaching in England, Fisher worked with a number of notable players during their youth years, including long-time England goalkeeper Joe Hart, Watford and Jamaican international striker Andre Gray, and Rangers center back Conner Goldson.

Fisher came to the United States in 2006, originally settling in Pittsburgh. Here, he started as the Director of Coaching for MLS camps and joined the Duquesne University women’s soccer team as an assistant coach.

In 2007, Fisher left those posts to become an ODP National Camp coach with the USL Super Y League, overseeing the selection of players from the Midwest region as the head regional scout for the league. He also took on the role of Director of Coaching at local youth club Penns Forest FC, a role he held until joining Pacesetter in May of 2009.

Fisher holds a UEFA B License, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He also serves as an instructor for the NSCAA and USSF Courses.

Coaches' Corner: Hounds trending upward, even without a 'W'

Bob Lilley has coached more than 500 games at the professional level, so he isn’t fazed by three of them not going his way.

The Hounds’ boss was more upbeat than one might expect after his team dropped their home opener to the Charlotte Independence last Saturday by a 1-0 score. While an 0-1-2 start to the season might have some fans feeling uneasy, Lilley has been breaking down tape and liked much of what he saw Saturday.

Still, he emphasized this group — still in the first month of a six-month USL Championship season — is very much a work-in-progress.

“I do think it was our best game to date, and I felt better after watching the tape with what we did over the course of 90 minutes. I think we’re definitely headed in the right direction. It’s always tough to lose a home opener, and certainly, not getting a win yet has been on the minds, but it’s so early, it’s just about getting better,” Lilley said.

The first thing that jumps out from the early returns is the team’s lack of scoring; the Hounds have just one goal in their first three matches for only the third time in team history. But after bombarding the Charlotte goal with 19 shot attempts, including five that were blocked, four saved by goalkeeper Brandon Miller, and a headed clearance off the line, the remedy requires fine-tuning rather than a major repair.

“I think we carried a lot of the play and broke their midfield line consistently. We’ve got to be a little bit sharper. I think there were a lot of goals in it for us. Some of the areas we got the ball running at their back three, and we weren’t able to play the right ball or make the final decision,” Lilley said.

The coach went on to elaborate on what needs to change: “I think at times we’re not stretching, sometimes we have two guys running in the same hole. At times, we’re dynamic, but if we can pull the defenders apart a little bit more, I think we create a little more space for all of our attacking players. We’re close.”

Having been through so many seasons, Lilley embraces the “marathon, not a sprint” mentality. But he also has a sense of urgency, as he sees Friday at the New York Red Bulls II as an opportunity to begin stacking wins this year.

“I think we’re definitely headed in the right direction. It’s always tough to lose a home opener, and certainly, not getting a win yet has been on the minds, but it’s so early, it’s just about getting better. The last two games, we had a tie and a loss, but in a different stage of the year, that could be two Ws,” he said.

Coach Lilley’s complete comments before the team hit the road, including his thoughts on New York Red Bulls II, can be seen below.

RDA Weekend Recap – May 22-23

With spots in the ECNL Champions League and other postseason events on the line, several RDA sides turned in solid performances over the weekend.

In what was the final league match with the RDA for many of the players, the 2002/03 Boys cruised to a 6-3 win over Ohio Elite in Cincinnati on Sunday, led by a Wyatt Borso hat trick. DD Flowers scored twice, and Lucas Hammerle scored the other in the win, as the team bounced back from losing a 5-3 thriller Saturday at Louisville City FC.

The 04 Boys made a charge at the playoffs, as well, scoring a 3-2 win over Louisville City on Saturday, and a 2-1 win over Ohio Elite after Johnny Dragisich scored a late header to secure the victory.

After a tough outing in their ECNL matches on Saturday at Ohio Elite, many of the girls squads bounced back into the win column at Racing Louisville.

The 02/03 Girls controlled the pace of play to earn a 4-2 win, thanks in part because of two goals from Jessica Molitoris. The 04 Girls conceded two goals in the first 10 minutes but came all the way back to eek out a 3-2 win over Racing Louisville. And Lola Abraham struck to get the 05 Girls three points on the road, 2-1.

In the regional league matches. Sarah Powell netted a hat trick to lead the 02/03 RL Girls to a 4-2 win over Internationals SC (Ohio) on Saturday at Montour Junction. Meanwhile, the 06 RL Girls overcame a quiet first half to record a 3-2 victory of their own over Internationals SC.

For more from the RDA action each weekend, visit the Live Results page at www.riverhounds.com.

Single-game tickets for 2021 season now on sale

PITTSBURGH (May 24, 2021) — Single-game tickets for the entirety of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 2021 season are on sale as of noon today, as the Hounds will be able to welcome an increased number of fans to Highmark Stadium for all remaining matches.

With the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s lifting of capacity limits, which goes into effect June 1, Riverhounds SC will be able to welcome more guests and increase the selection of premium seating and service options on game day.

Season, partial season, flexbook and single-game tickets all are available now, with single-game tickets starting as low as $15.

Premium seating options, including our Riverside seats with in-seat food service, Party Tables and our Full-Service Suites that allow for viewing from the outdoor balcony, are also on sale for 2021 season. In addition to those is the resumption of our Group Packages and the popular Pups Club for kids and their parents to get discounted tickets.

With more seats now available, existing season and partial-season ticket holders will be able to return to their usual seats for the remainder of the 2021 season.

The Hounds return home Sunday, June 6, when they host the Austin Bold at 6 p.m., and 14 more games remain on the home schedule after that, including the July 3 matchup against the Charlotte Independence and the October playoff push with three home matches in the final four weeks (Oct. 10 vs. Tampa Bay; Oct. 23 vs. Charleston; Oct. 30 vs. Hartford).

To purchase tickets or get more information about our premium packages, visit https://www.riverhounds.com/tickets, call the box office at 412-865-GOAL (4625) or email ticketing@https://www.riverhounds.com.

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