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Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Race to First: Despite draw, Hounds still control its destiny

On Saturday, Atlanta United 2, which has been unbeaten in its previous five matches, gave the Riverhounds SC a tough battle, and scored a late goal against the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference leaders.

Final: 1-1 draw completes undefeated home season for Riverhounds SC

Even with the 1-1 result, Pittsburgh (62 points) remains in control of its destiny, but things are now a little bit tighter, as they’re three points clear of Indy Eleven (59 points) and the rest of the pack trying to chase them down for the top overall spot in the Conference.

In the other two matches of note to the Hounds on Saturday, Indy Eleven finally ended its losing streak by dominating Memphis 901 FC, 3-0, while North Carolina FC (53 points) shut out the NY Red Bulls II (57 points), 2-0.

Nashsville looks to have the next big chance to make a move upward on the Hounds, when they take on two-time defending USL Cup champion Louisville City on Tuesday night.

Louisville City FC playing to move into the coveted top four, came away with a 1-0 win over St. Louis on Saturday, and will take on Nashville on just a few days rest.

With Nashville and Indy lurking, the Hounds will need some combination of four to six points in its final two matches to secure the top spot. Two wins, and six points will clinch first, otherwise, the door will be open if Nashville and/or Indy can start racking up wins. The Hounds finish with two on the road, against St. Louis and Birmingham, teams battling for its playoff lives. Both Nashville and Indy have the best chance to overtake Pittsburgh, as Nashville still has a game in hand and play all three of its final matches at home.

Saturday, Oct. 5: 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1, Atlanta Utd2 1

Indy Eleven 3, Memphis 901 FC 0

North Carolina FC 2, NY Red Bulls II 0

Louisville City FC 1, St. Louis FC 0

RACE FOR FIRST: LATEST STANDINGS  

Pos. P W L T GD Pts Form
1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 32 17 4 11 26 62
DWWWD
2
Indy Eleven 32 18 9 5 18 59
LLLLW
3
Nashville SC 31 17 7 7 27 58
WLWDW
4
New York Red Bulls II 32 17 9 6 28 57
WLLDL
5
Tampa Bay Rowdies 32 16 7 9 29 57
DLWDL
6
Louisville City FC 31 15 7 9 12 54
DWWDW
7
North Carolina FC 32 15 9 8 21 53
DLLWW

THIS WEEK IN USL EASTERN CONFERENCE RACE 

Tuesday, Oct. 8: 

Nashville SC at Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 12 

Indy Eleven at Tampa Bay Rowdies (7:30 p.m.)

North Carolina FC at Nashville SC (8 p.m.)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at St. Louis FC (8 p.m.)

Wednesday, October 16 

Swope Park Rangers at Indy Eleven (7 p.m.)

NY Red Bulls II at Birmingham Legion (8 p.m.)

Saturday, October 19

St. Louis FC at North Carolina FC (7 p.m.)

NY Red Bulls II at Loudoun United (7 p.m.)

Atlanta United 2 at Nashville SC (8 p.m.)

 

 

 

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).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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