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Record Breakers: Defense

This season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC set team records in both goals scored per game (2.44) and goals allowed per game (0.63). In a two-part series, take a look at the club’s success during this 2020 regular season.

Part 1: Offense

After another stellar year on the defensive side of the ball, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is headed to the USL Championship Playoffs.

The Hounds finished second in Group F behind Hartford Athletic, meaning they will travel to Lynn Family Stadium to face off against Louisville City FC at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

The team set a new club record this year with 0.63 goals allowed per game in the regular season. In addition, the Hounds’ defense posted eight clean sheets this season, the most in the USL Championship.

Throughout the season, the defense has held its own with standouts like Thomas Vancaeyezeele, who has played every minute this year for the Hounds. The center back, in his third season with the club, has been an anchor on the backline, recording an 82 percent tackle success rate along with 34 clearances, 10 blocks and 29 interceptions.

“He’s a key part as to why we are one of the better defensive teams in this league,” head coach Bob Lilley said.

Throughout the season, the Caen, France native has kept the same mindset in terms of playing the shortened season.

“We’re working every day to make it better,” Vancaeyezeele said. “We watch film, we talk a lot and we try to make the best defensive line that we can.”

Other key defensive pieces have been Ryan James and Jordan Dover, who have a combined 70 interceptions on the pitch.

James, in his second year with the Hounds, also scored five goals while winning 66 percent of his tackles on defense.

“Jordan Dover and Ryan James have played enough in this league,” Lilley said. “They always work hard. They always have a positive outlook. They are always there for their teammates, have good sense of humor and banter with teammates.”

Since the beginning of the 2020 season, Lilley has stated the importance of the defense coming together and focusing on the smooth transition from the defensive third to the attacking third. Under his tenure since the 2018 season, the Hounds have allowed 0.82 goals per game in 49 all-competition matches, which consist of regular season, playoffs and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games.

“Defending isn’t just when you don’t have the ball,” Lilley said. “We need to find outlets and make their wide players get back, have to make midfielders transition.”

RDA Weekend Recap – 10/7

The Riverhounds Development Academy opened its doors last weekend, as Highmark Stadium hosted its most extensive action since the return to play with 10 total ECNL matches filling both days of action.

The 2007 Boys were the weekend’s biggest winners after sweeping a pair of Ohio clubs at home. The 07s defeated Pacesetter SC by a 4-1 score Saturday and had the same winning margin Sunday in a 5-2 victory over Ohio Premier.

John Krug and JJ Vozar had identical scoring outputs with a goal each Saturday and two apiece in the team’s second match. Pablo Linzoan also scored in both matches, including the go-ahead goal in the second half against Pacesetter, and Brayden Davin hustled to record an important goal in the opening victory.

On the girls’ side, the 07s split their matches after falling Saturday on the road against Cleveland Internationals, 5-3. The side bounced back at home for a 2-0 win Sunday over Ohio Premier, as Molly Kubistek posted the shutout in goal. Fiona Mahan was excellent all over the field for the Hounds, and Sierra Dupre and Emma Schupansky provided the goals needed to take the three points.

The 07 Regional League Girls also had a productive weekend in which they earned four points at home. Lilly Hillegas finished from a first-half corner kick in arguably the weekend’s most balanced match, a 1-1 draw with Pacesetter SC. Hillegas scored again in a 2-0 win Sunday over Ohio Premier, a match in which CC Wessel also finished, and Maddie Marcotte provided the assist for both goals.

Other RDA teams in action included the 09 East Boys, who played an excellent second half and got goals from Noah Jurcevich and Jackson Backer to get a 2-2 draw on the road Saturday at Cleveland Force in Great Lakes Alliance play.

For a complete rundown of the weekend’s games and updates on matches to come, visit the Live Results page.

Sunday, Oct. 4

In ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium:

• The 07 Boys completed a weekend sweep of their Buckeye State visitors with a 5-2 win over Ohio Premier. JJ Vozar and John Krug scored twice each, and Pablo Linzoan had the other goal in a game where the Hounds could have added two or three more. The defense did not concede in the run of play, as the visitors’ two goals came via penalty kick and corner kick.

• The scoreline wasn’t flattering to the 08 Boys, who fell 4-0 to Ohio Premier, but the Hounds’ coaches still had plenty of good things to say about the performance. The RDA side played well, but the visitors were an exceptionally good opponent and the Hounds were “slightly naive in a few big moments,” according to the staff.

• The 07 Girls bounced back from Saturday’s defeat, especially defensively, to take a 2-0 win over Ohio Premier. Molly Kubistek posted the clean sheet in net, and Fiona Mahan was outstanding from start to finish for the Hounds. Sierra Dupre and Emma Schupansky handled the scoring in the win.

• The 08 Girls took some steps forward, but they were beaten by some through balls behind the defense and fell 4-0 to Ohio Premier. Ava Hutter and Cianna Brokenbeck both were very composed in possession for the Hounds, and Emma Kline was active in the center of the midfield.

In ECNL Regional League matches at Highmark Stadium:

• After a scoreless first half, the 07 Regional League Girls got goals from Kate Hillegas and CC Wessel for a 2-0 win over Ohio Premier. Maddie Marcotte assisted both Hounds goals.

• The 08 Regional League Girls played an even first half against Ohio Premier, but communication broke down along the back line in the second half and the team struggled to connect playing out of danger in a defeat.

In Great Lakes Alliance matches near Cleveland:

• The 10 East Girls played perhaps their best match, but a few mental breakdowns cost them in a 5-3 defeat against hosts FC Evolution. The second match of the day was a tougher one, as the side fell on the road to a very good Cuyahoga Valley SA side.

Saturday, Oct. 3

In ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium:

• The 08 Boys got the day started with a rout, topping Ohio’s Pacesetter SC by a 7-0 count. The defense was excellent throughout, and Calder Mahan shone with three goals and also some excellent passing up front. Zach White scored twice, and Brody Kennedy and Owen Shearer also notched goals.

• The second half was the better one for the 07 Boys, who pulled away for a 4-1 win over Pacesetter SC. The visitors leveled the score on a set piece after John Krug put the Hounds ahead in a sloppily played first half. The Hounds pulled ahead for good five minutes after the break through Pablo Linzoan. Having the better of possession then led to Brayden Davin not giving up on a play and scoring from a long cross, and then Linzoan set up JJ Vozar for the last goal with a big pass over the top.

In ECNL matches in Medina, Ohio:

• The 08 Girls competed well and created chances that could have made it a different match against Cleveland Internationals. The hosts were clinical in front of the Hounds’ goal, however, sending the RDA side to a 5-1 defeat. Morgan Ferris tallied the Hounds’ goal.

• Defensive errors were costly for the 07 Girls, who finished enough chances to get a result but fell, 5-3, to Cleveland Internationals. Emma Schupansky and Sierra Dupre each scored goals that pulled the scores level before the home team pulled ahead 4-2. Schupansky scored again, but the Hounds conceded a fifth as they pushed forward looking to tie the game late.

In ECNL Regional League matches at Highmark Stadium:

• From a first-half corner kick, Lilly Hillegas put a rebound into the roof of the net for the 07 Regional League Girls, and the Hounds were able to hold on for a 1-1 draw against Pacesetter SC in a well-played match by both sides.

• The 08 Regional League Girls played well in the back and decently in the midfield, but despite having a majority of possession, they didn’t have their striking boots on and eventually fell 2-0 to Pacesetter SC.

In Great Lakes Alliance play in North Ridgeville, Ohio:

• Noah Jurcevich and Jackson Backer scored for the 09 East Boys, who had a great second half with opportunities to grab a winner in a 2-2 draw against Cleveland Force.

Record Breakers: Offense

As the minutes trickled down in the final game of the 2020 regular season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC was on the attack trying to avoid a 1-1 tie.

In the second minute of second-half stoppage time, newcomer Albert Dikwa received a corner kick from Kenardo Forbes. What happened next was magic.

A strong header from Dikwa was sent sailing into bottom-left corner of the net for the game-winning goal against Philadelphia Union II on Oct. 3 at Highmark Stadium.

“In my head, I was thinking that I had to make right on this chance,” Dikwa said. “I missed on a few opportunities earlier in the half, and that goal was probably the best chance I had. I knew I had to make it, and I did.”

This year, the Hounds set a club record for goals scored per game (2.44) in the regular season. The previous benchmark for this feat was 2.40 goals scored per game in 2004. With a season as unpredictable as this year, the offense has made the most of its opportunities.

Heading into the postseason, the Hounds’ offense has a 28 percent conversion rate, which leads the USL Championship.

Head coach Bob Lilley has felt that the Hounds have always been confident in the goalscoring aspect of the game, but there is always room for improvement.

“Managing the game is probably biggest in how to create space, when to play faster, when to play slower, knowing what the score is,” Lilley said. “Understanding situations before and after halftime.

“I think this year’s team has a chance to go far. We’ve gotten better and better as the season has gone along and we’ve learned a lot of hard lessons along the way. I feel like we’ve improved a lot in managing games.”

While managing the game seems to be a theme of this year’s offense, players like Robbie Mertz and Ropapa Mensah have been key in goalscoring chances.

Mertz, a second-year Hound, has scored five goals this season while recording 22 key passes and four assists.

“I think you’ll always see his fire competitively, he’ll talk,” Lilley said about Mertz. “And he doesn’t hide in big games.”

Mertz has received USL Championship Team of the Week honors three times this season.

Meanwhile, Mensah has been a reliable forward since joining the Hounds this year, his fourth season in the USL Championship. Mensah leads the club with 27 shots while also being a key player in getting the ball upfield and into the penalty box for goalscoring opportunities.

The added depth on offense this season has become a blessing in disguise for the Hounds. Rookie players and new additions to the lineup, such as midfielder Danny Griffin and forward Lukas Fernandes, have made an impact on the pitch to help propel the team forward.

As the team heads into the postseason, the added depth will give the squad a boost.

“For me, our job is to get ready,” Lilley said after the 2-1 win against Philadelphia on Oct. 3. “Maximizing our points tonight was key, and we can only control how we perform. I would love to play as many games as possible at Highmark [Stadium], but if we have to play on the road, we’ll be ready.”

Hounds open playoffs at Louisville City FC, match to be televised on 22 The Point

PITTSBURGH (October 5, 2020) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will open its 2020 USL Championship Playoffs run against Louisville City FC. The teams will meet for an Eastern Conference Quarterfinals showdown at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Lynn Family Stadium, and the match will be locally televised on 22 The Point.

Pittsburgh finished the 16-game regular season with a 11-4-1 record en route to a second place Group F finish. Meanwhile, Louisville won Group E with a 11-3-2 overall mark.

This will mark a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals match that Louisville won, 2-1, in extra time on Nov. 2, 2019, at Highmark Stadium. Thomas Vancaeyezeele put the Hounds ahead early in the 11th minute, but Louisville rallied behind goals from Luke Spencer (51’) and Paolo DelPiccolo (118’). The Boys in Purple would go on to the 2019 USL Championship Final, where they would fall to champion Real Monarchs SLC.

This year, Pittsburgh and Louisville met once during the regular season. After falling behind, the Hounds scored three straight goals to defeat the foe, 3-1, in its inaugural match at Lynn Family Stadium on July 12. Jordan Dover (45’), Robbie Mertz (46’) and Anthony Velarde (51’) scored for the Black and Gold whereas Devon Williams (18’) posted Louisville’s goal.

To stay up to date on all Riverhounds SC postseason news and information, visit https://www.riverhounds.com/playoffs.

Hounds close out regular season with win against Philadelphia

PITTSBURGH (October 3, 2020) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (11-4-1) defeated Philadelphia Union II (2-11-3), 2-1, tonight at Highmark Stadium.

Ray Lee got the Hounds on the board first in the 15th minute. Then, in the 61st minute, Jack McGlynn converted a penalty kick for Philadelphia to tie the game. A late goal from Albert Dikwa in the 90’+2 put the Hounds ahead for good.

The win puts the Hounds in first place in Group F, two points ahead of Hartford Athletic. Hartford has one more match, coming against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday. A Hartford tie or loss would clinch the group for the Hounds.

First Half

The Hounds created several quality opportunities early. In the 7th minute, Ropapa Mensah sent a shot from the right side of the penalty area toward the bottom-right corner. Philadelphia goalkeeper Ben Martino ranged to his right to keep the Hounds off the board. Then, in the 10th minute, Mensah sent another shot from the right side of the penalty box, which was again denied by Martino.

The Hounds were on the attack once again in the 15th minute, as Robbie Mertz sent a cross to Patrick Bunk-Andersen in the center of the penalty area. Andersen directed a header toward the top-right corner, which was deflected away by Martino. The Hounds broke through just moments later, after Mertz back-heeled a pass to Lee in the left side of the penalty area. He then launched a shot into the bottom-left corner, giving the Hounds a 1-0 lead.

The Hounds played tight defense in the first half, allowing just two shots. Philadelphia’s best opportunity came in the 18th minute, when a shot from Paxton Aaronson in the center of the penalty area missed wide to the right.

The Hounds outshot Philadelphia, 7-2, in the first half, and recorded five shots on target.

Second Half

The Hounds continued to attack Philadelphia in the second half. In the 55th minute, Ryan James sent a cross to Kenardo Forbes outside of the penalty area. Forbes then launched a rocket, which narrowly missed high.

In the 61st minute, a penalty kick was awarded to Philadelphia after Skylar Thomas was shown a yellow card for a foul in the penalty area. McGlynn sent the ensuing penalty kick into the bottom-right corner, tying the game at 1-1.

The Hounds nearly regained the lead in the 64th minute, after James sent a cross to Mensah in the center of the penalty area. Mensah then headed the ball just high of the net.

In the 90’+2, the Hounds were on the attack, looking for the go-ahead goal. Forbes sent a corner kick to Dikwa in the center of the penalty area, and the striker sent a powerful header into the bottom-left corner, giving the Hounds a one-goal lead that they would not surrender.

Hound of the Match, presented by EPIC

In 21 minutes of action, Albert Dikwa tallied four shots, including the go-ahead goal in the 90’+2.

Beyond the Box Score, presented by Beyond Self Storage

Riverhounds SC outscored Union II, 12-1, in three meetings this season.

What’s Next

If the current standings hold, Riverhounds SC will host a first-round playoff match against Saint Louis FC (7-5-4). If Hartford wins tomorrow and the Hounds fall to second place, they will travel to Lynn Family Stadium for a matchup against Louisville City FC (11-3-2). Times and dates are to be determined.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Danny Vitiello; Ray Lee (Anthony Velarde 69′), Patrick Bunk-Andersen, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Skylar Thomas, Ryan James; Kenardo Forbes, Robbie Mertz (Mark Lindstrom 90’+5), Danny Griffin; Ropapa Mensah (Albert Dikwa 69′), Steevan Dos Santos

Subs not used: Tomas Gomez, Mark Forrest, Dani Rovira, Tony Walls

Philadelphia Union II – Ben Martino; Anthony Sorenson, Brandan Craig, Dante Huckaby, Nathan Harriel; Jack McGlynn, Cole Turner, Jack De Vries (Zachary Zandi 56′), Paxten Aaronson (Danny Flores 79′); Caden Stafford (Axel Picazo 88′), Anges Kader Bohui (Quinn Sullivan 88′)

Subs not used: Mitch Budler, Benjamin Ofeimu, Issa Rayyan

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Ray Lee 15′ (Robbie Mertz)

PHI – Jack McGlynn 63′ (penalty)

PIT – Albert Dikwa 90’+2 (Kenardo Forbes)

Misconduct Summary:

PIT – Ray Lee 37′ (caution)

PHI – Cole Turner 43′ (caution)

PIT – Skylar Thomas 61′ (caution)

PIT – Steevan Dos Santos 70′ (caution)

PHI – Jack McGlynn 90’+1 (caution)

Head coach Bob Lilley

On the win…

“Certainly, we’re going to have situations like this late in games in the playoffs. So I think it was good to get the three points tonight because we will likely see situations like this later. We’ll certainly review the film this week to see what we can do better, but it was great to get the win.”

On Thomas Vancaeyezeele…

“He’s definitely grown a lot in the last three years here. Tonight, we put him in a lot of different positions, as we tried to create some pressure late in the second half. He’s a key part as to why we are one of the better defensive teams in this league.”

On the playoffs…

“For me, our job is to get ready. Maximizing our points tonight was key, and we can only control how we perform. I would love to play as many games as possible at Highmark [Stadium], but if we have to play on the road, we’ll be ready.”

Forward Albert Dikwa

On the go-ahead goal…

“In my head, I was thinking that I had to make right on this chance. I missed on a few opportunities earlier in the half, and that goal was probably the best chance I had. I knew I had to make it, and I did.”

On the team’s chemistry heading into the postseason…

“I think of the team in connections, and how lucky I am to have Kenardo [Forbes] to push me to be my best. I know he trusted me on that last shot, even though I had missed on a few earlier.”

On the win…

“I feel good about this win. We knew after last week that we didn’t want this one to slip away and we didn’t. We were determined to end the season on a positive note and gain some momentum as we head into the playoffs.”

Midfielder Kenardo Forbes

On his first start back from injury…

“I felt a little rusty. There were a few passes I missed, but the pass to Albert [Dikwa] felt good. It was definitely good to get back out there, though, and I can’t wait for the playoffs.”

On the win…

“We needed this win, going into the playoffs. Going into the playoffs on a win brings a little momentum with it, and after we lost last week, it felt good to win here.”

On the playoffs…

“Tonight was a really good test for the postseason, because any team can come out and give you a tough go for 90 minutes. There aren’t really a lot of blowouts in the playoffs, so I’m happy that we came out on top today.”

Hounds look for strong finish to regular season

Going into its final regular season match against Philadelphia Union II on Saturday, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC looks to gain momentum as it heads into the USL Championship Playoffs.

A win would put the Hounds on top of Group F, pending Hartford’s result on Sunday. Hartford currently sits ahead of the Hounds by a point in the Group F standings. Pittsburgh will kick off against Philadelphia at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

“We have to try to get a full three points,” head coach Bob Lilley said this week as the team is coming off a 1-0 loss to Hartford. “We need to try to bounce back and get some momentum.”

This season, the Hounds are no strangers to overcoming adversity. They battled through a three-games-in-nine-days stretch early in the schedule, and lost matches to Indy Eleven and New York Red Bulls II to end the stint. After this, the Hounds went on to win eight of their next 10 matches.

During their hot streak, the Hounds experienced another three-games-in-nine-days stretch in August. This time, the Hounds earned a point in all three matches, which included a 2-2 tie against Saint Louis FC back on Aug. 22.

“The guys deserve a lot of credit for putting it together quickly,” Lilley said. “Without two wins against Hartford, we might not be in the position that we’re in now. We need to make sure we take care of what we can because that’s the only thing we can control.”

If the Hounds win on Saturday, they can clinch the Group F title with a Hartford win or draw on Sunday. However, Hartford ultimately controls the group picture, as it can clinch first place with a win against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday.

“I think it was good to review the game and I think we all knew that we gave something back that we desperately didn’t want to,” Lilley said. “But there was also a recognition that we’re in the playoffs, and we have an important game this week. I think they’ve come through this a little mad, if you will. They know we are a better team than we showed the other night. I’m happy to see that they’re putting it behind them, that they’re looking forward to our matches in the future.”

PREVIEW: Riverhounds SC vs. Philadelphia Union II

PITTSBURGH (October 1, 2020) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (10-4-1) finishes its regular season with a match against Philadelphia Union II (2-10-3) on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Highmark Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be televised on 22 The Point.

The Hounds look to win this match in hopes of securing the Group F title, as they currently sit one point behind first-place Hartford Athletic (10-3-2). Hartford would also have to lose or tie against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, in addition to a Hounds win, if Pittsburgh were to clinch the group. If both teams would finish with the same point total, tiebreakers would first be total wins followed by goal differential (Pittsburgh has a +28 and Hartford has a +5 goal differential).

The winner of Group F would host either Indy Eleven or Saint Louis FC in the conference quarterfinals whereas the second place Group F team would travel to play Louisville City FC to open the postseason.

This will be the third match between the two clubs this season. In their first matchup back on July 18, the Hounds routed Union II, 6-0, at Subaru Park. When the teams met back on Aug. 1, the Hounds pitched another shutout, defeating Union II, 4-0, at Highmark Stadium. With two first-half assists in this latter meeting, Kenardo Forbes set the all-time assist record in USL Championship play with 38 helpers.

In the Hounds’ last match, they fell to Hartford Athletic, 1-0, on Sept. 26 at Highmark Stadium. Philadelphia fell to Hartford, 3-2, in its last match on Wednesday at Subaru Park.

During the match this Saturday, fans can use the hashtag #HoundsAtHome and submit photos of themselves watching the Hounds taking on Philadelphia, which will be televised on 22 The Point. Be sure to tag the club’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @RiverhoundsSC.

MATCH INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
Television: 22 The Point
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Statistics: USL Championship Match Center
Live Updates: Twitter at @RiverhoundsSC and #PITvPHI

RDA Weekend Recap – 9/30

The Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) was back at it in regular season action this weekend, as teams played matches in Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), Pre-ECNL and ECNL Regional competition.

The 2009 Boys team finished its slate strong, recording two wins after opening the weekend with a GLA loss.

After a loss against Club Ohio earlier Saturday, the team secured a 3-2 win over Columbus United (Ohio) and won Sunday over Rochester Rush (N.Y.), 4-2. Warren Agostoni scored five goals in the two wins, and Grayson Stuart added a goal in each.

In the same age group, the 09 East Boys produced a similar turnaround, going from a comeback falling short in a 4-3 loss to Perrysburg SC (Ohio) to maintaining their momentum for a 5-1 win over the Western NY Flash. The 09 RDA II Boys lost to Club Ohio before winning 4-2 over Cleveland Force, and the 09 East Girls, which had just one match on the weekend, took a 0-0 draw with Columbus United and a clean sheet by keeper Sarah Tinkey.

Both the 08 and 07 RDA II Boys took a result from each of their weekend matches. The younger side drew 1-1 in its Saturday match against Ohio’s Elite FC before coming out on top in a battle of possession-based sides Sunday against Barca Academy (Ohio). The 08 RDA II Boys were 3-1 winners behind goals from Milo Kent, Canaan Kerestesi and Colton Yonker.

The 07 RDA II Boys side got their results in the other order, starting the weekend with a 2-0 win over Pacesetter SC on a Nathan Kline goal and an own goal. Their Sunday match finished as a 1-1 draw with Barca Academy, as the Hounds bounced back after conceding in the first minute of the game.

Some sides weren’t as fortunate with their results, such as the 10 Girls team, which faced Ohio Premier in Pre-ECNL play. But despite the score, the coaches were thrilled with the quality of the team’s performance, and the team might have felt a little unlucky to not be awarded a penalty kick on one of two close plays in a 1-0 loss.

As always, keep up with the RDA as the fall season moves into October by visiting the Live Results page each week.

Sunday, Sept. 27

In Great Lakes Alliance matches in Erie, Pa.:

• After being level at halftime, the 09 Boys kept a second-half clean sheet and controlled the action for a 4-2 win over Rochester Rush (N.Y.). Warren Agostoni had three goals and an assist, Grayson Stuart had a goal and an assist, and Dylan Shallenberger added a helper in the win.

• The 07 RDA II Boys were caught flat-footed and conceded in the first 30 seconds, but the team recovered with improved energy for a 1-1 draw with Barca Academy (Ohio).

• Two teams with similar, possession-focused styles squared off, and it was the 08 RDA II Boys who came out on top with a 3-1 win over Barca Academy. Milo Kent, Canaan Kerestesi and Colton Yonker recorded the Hounds goals in the win.

• The 10 Boys had a pair of near misses against Ohio clubs, falling 3-1 to Team Challenger and 2-1 to Pacesetter SC. Bobby Bosvic scored from a Manny Yu assist in the opener, as the Hounds left a handful of chances on the table. Parker Osterman put the team ahead in the second match, but a pair of miscues allowed Pacesetter to come back and win.

• Mac Meager scored a nice goal for the 11 Boys, but tired legs and playing without three starters took its toll as the team was trumped by Buffalo Elite (N.Y.).

• Sarah Tinkey posted a clean sheet in goal for the 09 East Girls in a scoreless draw with Columbus United (Ohio). Mikaela Bunovich, Ava Ruvalcaba and Rylee Leasher also had strong performances in the defensive struggle.

• The 07 East Boys never seemed to have their legs under them, according to the coaches, and inconsistency led to a 2-0 loss against Worthington United (Ohio).

In Pre-ECNL matches in Ohio:

• The 11 Girls were matched against a physically bigger Ohio Premier side, but despite a slow start, the side acquitted themselves well in a 4-2 loss.

• The 10 Girls were praised by the staff for playing perhaps their best game since coming together as a group, and they should be proud despite taking a hard-luck 1-0 loss to Ohio Premier. The Hounds just couldn’t find the net and had a pair of shouts for a penalty kick to be awarded go unanswered.

• The 09 Girls couldn’t get into a rhythm and lost to Ohio Premier.

Saturday, Sept. 26

In Great Lakes Alliance matches in Erie, Pa.:

• The 07 RDA II Boys got things off to a good start with a 2-0 win over Pacesetter SC (Ohio). Nathan Kline scored, and the Hounds also benefitted from an own goal in a game where the team created more chances but couldn’t finish consistently.

• Credit the 09 East Boys for showing a ton of heart in the second half, as they tried to rally from down by three goals. The Hounds cut the lead to one on two occasions, but they were unable to complete the comeback in a 4-3 loss to Perrysburg SC (Ohio). The momentum of that second half carried forward into the team’s second match of the day, a 5-1 win over Western New York Flash.

• The 09 Boys were lacking in organization defensively during their first match, conceding an own goal and a penalty kick as part of a 6-1 loss to Club Ohio. Dylan Shallenberger scored the lone goal from a corner kick. The second match was an improvement in both play and result, as the team won 3-2 over Columbus United (Ohio). Warren Agostoni scored twice, and Grayson Stuart also scored to give the Hounds the edge, but another penalty kick and an error at the back made things close at the end.

• The 09 RDA II Boys were another side that had a mixed bag of results, as they were stopped 9-2 by Club Ohio but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Cleveland Force. The team made good progress on the day and showed plenty of fight even when trailing by a large margin in the opening game, but the group still has work to do keeping possession in the final third.

In ECNL Regional League matches at Montour Junction:

• Both the 07 and 08 Regional League Girls ran into lopsided defeats at the hands of very skilled Cleveland Force sides, but they will each have a chance to rebound Sunday when they host Cleveland Internationals.

3 Things: #PITvPHI

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (10-4-1) will face Philadelphia Union II (2-9-3) in its final match of the regular season. This game will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Highmark Stadium and will be televised on 22 The Point.

The Hounds are 2-0-0 against Union II this season with a +10 goal differential. Philadelphia has a short turnaround into the match this Saturday, as it will first host Hartford on Wednesday.

1.) Brick Wall

The Riverhounds SC defense has been just short of perfect this season. They are currently tied with Tampa Bay Rowdies for the least amount of goals conceded with nine. The Hounds also lead the league with eight clean sheets. Goalkeeper Danny Vitiello is tied for fourth in the USL Championship with five of those eight shutouts. If Vitiello plays one more full game, he will be eligible for the Golden Gloves award, which is given to the keeper with the best goals-against average in the league.

It’s not all goalkeeping for this Riverhounds squad, as they are led by a strong backline. Thomas Vancaeyezeele has played every single minute this season. With one game left, he could finish the regular season having played every minute in every game.

2.) At The Helm

Riverhounds SC head coach Bob Lilley has made the playoffs every year he’s coached in the USL Championship. This will be Lilley’s third straight playoff appearance in three seasons with the Hounds. In 20 seasons of head coaching, Lilley has recorded at least a .500 winning percentage in each regular season.

3.) Dominance

Statistically, the Riverhounds have been well ahead of other teams in the USL Championship. First, the Hounds have a +28 goal differential, and the next closest is Phoenix Rising FC with +23. This year, the Hounds are on pace for their best goals per game average (2.64) since 2004. They’re also on a record-setting path of goals allowed per game. The previous record was 0.76 in 2018. This year they’re down to 0.57 goals allowed per game.

Out of 35 teams in the USL Championship, the Hounds are two goals shy of tying Phoenix Rising FC and Reno 1868 FC for the league lead in total goals. Pittsburgh also leads the league with a 30 percent conversion rate.

Playoff seeding at stake for Hounds during final week

With the arrival of the final week of the regular season, playoff seeding is up for grabs.

For Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, this could mean a first-place finish in Group F and a home playoff match to kick off the postseason. However, the team will need to bounce back from its loss against Hartford Athletic this past Saturday heading into its final match of the regular season this coming Saturday against Philadelphia Union II.

“I think we’re going to have to do some soul-searching this week to get back our hunger, to get back on top of things here,” head coach Bob Lilley said after Saturday’s loss. “We didn’t start that well against Loudoun and we didn’t start that well tonight. So I think we also have to make sure we start games better moving forward.”

As it stands, the Hounds sit atop Group F with 31 points with one match remaining. Second-place Hartford Athletic trail the Hounds by two points, but have two matches left. There are a few scenarios in which the Hounds could win the group, but many of them include winning its final match against Philadelphia on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Hounds have had their way against Philadelphia, outscoring the Group F foe, 10-0, in two matchups this season.

The Hounds would also need Hartford to lose or tie one of its last two matches. Hartford will first travel to Subaru Park to face Philadelphia on Wednesday, the third match between the two clubs in the last two weeks. Hartford defeated Philadelphia, 3-0, back on Sept. 20 at Subaru Park. In their most recent meeting, however, Hartford tied Philadelphia, 1-1, back on Sept. 23 at Dillon Stadium.

Hartford will then finish its season against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, Oct. 4. The teams have met three times, and Hartford has won all three matches. However, every game was close; Hartford won the three games by a combined total of four goals.

No matter where the Hounds finish in the group, they will face a team from Group E in the conference quarterfinals. They would face Indy Eleven, currently second in Group E, if the current standings hold. Indy narrowly etched out two 1-0 victories against the Hounds this season.

The Hounds could also face Saint Louis FC, which trail Indy by one point. Pittsburgh tied Saint Louis, 2-2, back on Aug. 22 at Highmark Stadium. If the Hounds fell to second in Group F, they would play Louisville City FC, which has already clinched the group. Pittsburgh defeated Louisville City FC, 3-1, in the inaugural match at Lynn Family Stadium earlier this season.

“We can really only put this one behind us and get ready for Philadelphia,” Lilley said.

The Hounds will look to finish the regular season with a win against Philadelphia on Saturday, Oct. 3. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be televised on 22 The Point.

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