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USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Hounds Clinch Playoff Berth, Defeat Memphis, 1-0

September 24, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-4-10) defeated Memphis 901 FC (8-14-7), 1-0, en route to clinching playoff berth on Tuesday at AutoZone Park.

Match Report

Joe Greenspan gave the Hounds an early lead in the 15th minute, and the club never looked back while clinching its second straight postseason appearance. Goalkeeper Austin Pack recorded the shutout for the Black and Gold.

"We have to focus on Indy Eleven this Saturday, but it is a nice accomplishment to make the playoffs again," head coach Bob Lilley said. "The biggest key for us today was that we showed composure. If we didn't have that patience or composure we needed, we may not have had the energy to get that game to the finish line.

"The key tonight was a good first half. The second half, I would've liked to be more ambitious to get the second goal sooner. I thought we defended well, but I think we could've been more assertive to try to get a second goal. It was a good road performance, and I'm happy for them."

First Half

A rookie-to-veteran connection jumped onto the scoresheet in the 15th minute.

Serving up a corner kick, Robbie Mertz sent a ball into the penalty box with Greenspan's head in his crosshairs. The center back leaped and directed the sphere into the bottom right-hand corner to open the scoring.

Memphis posted its first shot on target in the 35th minute, but Marc Burch's take from outside of the penalty area was easily collected by Pack.

Second Half

Both teams' offenses registered one shot on goal apiece in the second stanza.

To open the period in the 46th minute, Pierre Da Silva let loose a shot from outside of the 18-yard box, but Pack easily collected the opportunity. The USL newcomer would record six additional shots in the second half, but none of these would be on frame.

Meanwhile, the Hounds' lone second half take on target came from the head of Christian Volesky. The striker directed a ball off a Mertz cross on frame, but goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell saved the scoring opportunity.

Hound of the Match

Joe Greenspan scored the lone goal of the match and added a game-high six clearances.

Stat of the Game

The Hounds set a team record with their sixth straight clean sheet.

What's Next

Riverhounds SC returns home to battle Indy Eleven (17-6-5) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium, which will mark their third meeting this year. The Hounds earlier defeated the Eleven in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action, but lost to the foe in regular season play

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC - Austin Pack - Ryan James, Todd Pratzner, Joe Greenspan, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Noah Franke - Sammy Kahsai (Kenardo Forbes 73'), Robbie Mertz, Anthony Velarde (Mouhamed Dabo 61'), Kevin Kerr - Christian Volesky (Steevan Dos Santos 81')

Subs not used: Kyle Morton, Neco Brett, Dani Rovira, Uchenna Uzo

Memphis 901 FC - Jeff Caldwell - Marc Burch, Liam Doyle, Josh Morton - Leston Paul, Wes Charpie, Dan Metzger, Duane Muckette (Elliot Collier 55'), Pierre Da Silva (Adam Najem 71') - Marcus Epps (Lagos Kunga 78'), Brandon Allen

Subs not used: Scott Levene, Ewan Grandison, Jacob Hauser-Ramsey, Cam Lindley

Scoring Summary:

PIT - Joe Greenspan 15' (Robbie Mertz)

Misconduct Summary:

PIT - Robbie Mertz 56' (caution)

PIT - Kevin Kerr 90' (caution)

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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