Before the season began, the Riverhounds produced a line of T-shirts featuring a picture of Dave Brandt, with the words ‘Talk is Cheap’ printed on the front of the shirt, illustrating the coach’s no-nonsense approach.

As we reach August, in the midst of Brandt’s first full season with the team, the Hounds are reaching a critical juncture. July wasn’t very kind to Brandt’s squad, as they stumbled through six games without a win, including four consecutive draws booked-ended by a pair of one-sided losses.
After the latest defeat — 2-0 at Tampa Bay on Saturday – Brandt gave a number reasons why his team continues to come up short, and a step behind in the USL’s Eastern Conference playoff race.

“We’re in Step 2 in a three-step process,” Brandt explained after the game. “I’ve been here a year, and I came here and this team was really struggling. We’ve had a lot of draws and been on edge of a lot of results, except for two – here and Louisville City —  as we were more out of those games than we would like. Otherwise, we have to watch the mistakes in the back, and put in the chances we have.”

For the complete feature — please be sure to check out on DK Pittsburgh Sports. 

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).