USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

3 Things: #PITvNY

Published on June 23, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


The Riverhounds are developing quite the reputation as road warriors early in the season, as Saturday's 2-1 win at Tampa Bay improved the team's mark to 4-1-1 away from home. Those 13 points are the most in the USL Championship on the road, and more than 20 of the league's 30 other teams have overall.

But now, can the Hounds get it done back at home, where they have just one draw to show for their three games at Highmark Stadium?

The next chance to do it will be Friday night at 7 p.m., when the Hounds host the New York Red Bulls II in a match that will be streamed on ESPN+. The Baby Bulls already were on the short end of one of the Hounds' road wins, so here are this week's 3 Things to watch for as the Hounds try to replicate the 3-0 win on May 28 in New Jersey.

1.) Stop the running of the Bulls

One of the hallmarks of Red Bulls II and coach John Wolyniec is a team willing to press high and force the tempo. With players like Omar Sowe and Roald Mitchell who are able to quickly close down defenders, keeping the ball can be a challenge.

For the Hounds to have the best chance of success, they will need to be composed in the face of the Red Bulls' pressure and slow the game down to a more suitable tempo for themselves. Doing so would serve the twofold purpose of preserving the Hounds' legs and keeping New York from creating a track meet with both teams going end-to-end, a style that suits how they want to attack.

The Hounds had just 38 percent of the ball in the teams' first meeting, though a 2-0 lead in the first half hour allowed the Hounds to sit back and be more conservative. It's not likely the Hounds will be as successful this time with so little of the ball, so look for the team to value possession, especially early in the match.

2.) Feed the hot boot

Russell Cicerone's five goals so far have him on pace for 18 this season, a total that would smash his professional best. But while his finishing has been on point, the service provided from teammates has also played a big role in his success.

Of the four goals scored in the run of play by Cicerone - the other was a penalty kick - three came on his first touch, and the goal in Tampa Bay appeared to be on the second touch after getting the slightest of first touches to usher Kenardo Forbes' through ball forward. That means Cicerone is making runs to the right positions, but also that his teammates are getting the ball to him in the correct places.

Look for more of the same against New York, as the timing between Cicerone and his teammates continues to be the catalyst for the Hounds' offense.

3.) Relax at home

The Hounds must make sure they don't put additional pressure on themselves by thinking about the 0-2-1 start on their home turf. The way they have played recently, particularly in the last match against Tampa Bay, will be good enough to get the three points.

The danger becomes if the game stays in a prolonged deadlock or if the Hounds continue to struggle scoring at home. That could lure players into taking unnecessary risks or pressing too hard, which once again would play into the hands of a New York team that wants to run at opponents all night in an effort to force turnovers and counter.

Instead, just relax and do what has worked, and the results will finally come at Highmark.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 23, 2021


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