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Miracle on the Mon

‘Miracle on the Mon’ is available now!

Illustration by Danny Earls

On the fifth anniversary of what was one of the most exciting matches in the history of professional soccer in the United States, and a galvanizing victory for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer club, I am proud to share that my new book, Miracle on the Mon is now available to purchase as a paperback version on Amazon.

Not only does this book chronicle a remarkable soccer match, but also shares the backstory of the struggles and challenges of a lower division soccer club during a time when the professional soccer landscape in the United States experienced unprecedented transition and expansion.

Miracle on the Mon Cover Illustration by Danny Earls

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF MIRACLE ON THE MON 

 

Photo Courtesy Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

About Miracle on the Mon

In the second decade of its existence, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club made a bold attempt to make its mark in a City of Champions, as they were fighting for survival and relevance.

The addition of a soccer-only stadium, Highmark Stadium, on the banks of the Monongahela River, changed the dynamic for the club and provided a fascinating new chapter for soccer in Western Pennsylvania. The new stadium brought an initial burst of optimism, but things turned sour when cost overruns and numerous challenges nearly sank the Riverhounds into oblivion.

One season after the organization survived the trials of declaring bankruptcy and near extinction, an unforgettable series of matches against longtime rival highlighted by a Miracle on the Mon provided a much needed spark for professional soccer in the City of Champions.


On Thursday, I joined Matt Gajtka on Pittsburgh Sports Live to talk more about the book, and together we also took a look back at that memorable match on May 30, 2015, when the Riverhounds rallied from deficits of 3-0, 4-2, and 5-3 to defeat its rivals Harrisburg City Islanders, 6-5, at Highmark Stadium.

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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