Hounds Draw FC Cincinnati, 0-0
October 6, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-4-13) tied FC Cincinnati (23-3-7), 0-0, in its final regular season home match this season on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Goalkeeper Dan Lynd made three saves en route to the squad's 17th clean sheet this season. The next time the Hounds will take the pitch at Highmark Stadium will be their opening round home playoff game on Oct. 20.
How It Happened
Both teams struggled to find much offense in the second half, combining for two shots on goal in the final-45 minutes.
The Hounds posted a shot on goal late off the foot of Christiano François in the 87th minute. Although, his right-footed try from long range was blocked by FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Spencer Richey.
FC Cincinnati's lone second-half take on target came via defender Forrest Lasso in the 73rd minute. From the right side of the penalty box, the center back drilled a header toward the goalmouth, but Pittsburgh goalkeeper Dan Lynd saved the opportunity.
In the 68th minute, François sprinted into the attacking third toward the end line. After he released a shot at the goalmouth, FC Cincinnati blocked his try out of bounds for a Hounds corner kick. Pittsburgh could not convert off the corner opportunity.
After a scoreless first half, the Hounds outshot the opposition, 11-3.
Recording the Hounds' first shot on goal in the 18th minute, Jordan Dover wiggled free on the right side of the penalty box before placing a right-footed take through traffic and on target. FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Spencer Richey registered the save.
Five minutes beforehand, Lynd made the first save of the contest. Tracking a shot by Emmanuel Ledesma, Lynd lunged to his left to keep the sheet clean.
In the 36th minute, the Hounds had perhaps their best opportunity to break the 0-0 score. Awarded a free kick after FC Cincinnati defender Lasso was called for holding Neco Brett just outside of the penalty area, Pittsburgh set up with Romeo Parkes over the ball. The striker's try was ultimately blocked away by the Queen City wall.
Man of the Match
Defender Joe Greenspan helped lead the way to the clean sheet, pacing the team with 14 clearances.
Stat of the Game
Pittsburgh outshot FC Cincinnati, 18-4, during the match.
Beyond the Box Score
The Hounds are now unbeaten in six straight matches.
Three different Hounds (Christiano François, Jordan Dover and Neco Brett) recorded at least three chances created.
Goalkeeper Dan Lynd adds to his single-season club record with his 12th shutout of the campaign.
Defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele posted a game-high seven tackles. What's Next
Riverhounds SC will wrap up its regular season with a two-game road swing, starting with a showdown against Atlanta United 2 (5-17-9) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Coolray Field. This match will be their second meeting this season, as the Hounds earlier defeated Atlanta, 1-0, on April 28 at Highmark Stadium.
Lineups:
Riverhounds SC - Dan Lynd - Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joe Greenspan, Hugh Roberts, Jordan Dover (Ray Lee 88') - Ben Zemanski (Joe Holland 75'), Mouhamed Dabo - Romeo Parkes, Kenardo Forbes, Christiano François - Neco Brett (Kay Banjo 75')
Subs not used: Mike Kirk, Tobi Adewole, Ben Fitzpatrick, Todd Pratzner
FC Cincinnati - Spencer Richey - Blake Smith, Forrest Lasso, Patrick Barrett, Justin Hoyte - Michael Lahoud (Tyler Gibson 72'), Corben Bone (Nazmi Albadawi 64') - Emmanuel Ledesma, Jimmy McLaughlin, Fatai Alashe - Emery Welshman (Russell Cicerone 82')
Subs not used: Evan Newton, Matt Bahner, Dekel Keinan, Kenney Walker
Misconduct Summary:
CIN - Forrest Lasso 35' (caution)
Quote Sheet
Head coach Bob Lilley
On the team's performance...
"We're close. We're way ahead of where we were at the beginning. All the teams are at a higher level. We are as well."
On mentality...
"It's a good team, but we have to have a mentality to be pushing the envelope. Hopefully they will understand that after tonight. We'll remind them on Monday that's the expectation."
On the final two games...
"If we don't go get results these last two games, we're going to finish fourth. And then you go potentially on the road even if you win your second game."
Defender Joe Greenspan
On coming away with a draw...
"I think we've done well. Tonight's a microcosm of the season as a whole. We've competed with the best teams and we're one of the best teams. We've shown that, but we've let ourselves down a little bit in key moments."
On digging deep...
"We just need to dig deep, got to look in the mirror and say, 'how much do I want to give?' I think the guys of this club, we've all taken very good account of ourselves."
On FC Cincinnati...
"They're very good. They're dynamic. They make good runs. They play good balls into the box, so you got to be tight. You can't make many mistakes. You can't give them any free looks."
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 6, 2018
- Rivas Sets Goal Record in Roughnecks Loss - FC Tulsa
- Hounds Draw FC Cincinnati, 0-0 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- FC Cincinnati ties USL record, extends unbeaten streak to 22 consecutive matches - FC Cincinnati
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- Nashville SC Takes Three from Richmond to Move Closer to Playoff Spot - Nashville SC
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- Young Steel FC Earns Road Point at Indy Eleven - Philadelphia Union II
- Switchbacks FC Drop 3-0 Result on the Road to Fresno FC - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- City Dominates Toronto with 3-1 Win in Final Road Trip of the Regular Season - Louisville City FC
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