Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Road to USL Championship Playoffs: Riverhounds SC playoff clinching possibilities

by
John Krysinsky
October 4, 2021

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (14-8-6, 48 points) have not won a match since early September, and it appears that taking the top spot in the division may be out of reach (now 10 points behind Tampa Bay) but they’re still in pretty solid position to clinich a playoff berth as the top four teams in the division have clearly separated from the bottom four.

Following its 3-2 loss at Miami FC on Saturday, here’s the latest on the Hounds playoff clinching status.

Playoff Clinching Scenarios

The Hounds will be able to clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth Sunday, depending on the results of games involving the Charleston Battery and Hartford Athletic.

Both of those teams play twice this week, including a head-to-head meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday.

• If the Hounds win Sunday, they will clinch UNLESS either Charleston or Hartford win both their matches

• If the Hounds draw Sunday, they clinch if Charleston fails to win either match AND Hartford fails to get at least four points (win + draw).

• If the Hounds lose Sunday, they clinch if Charleston loses both matches or loses and draws AND Hartford fails to win either of their matches.

USL Championship Atlantic Division Standings

Pos.		P	W	L	T	GD	Pts	Form
1	Tampa Bay Rowdies	26	19	6	1	27	58	WWWWW

2	The Miami FC	27	14	7	6	14	48	WDLWW

3	Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC	28	14	8	6	14	48	DWLDL

4	Charlotte Independence	27	14	9	4	14	46	WWLWW

5	Charleston Battery	25	8	10	7	-1	31	DDLDL

6	Hartford Athletic	25	9	13	3	-2	30	LLWLL

7	New York Red Bulls II	27	5	16	6	-28	21	LLWDD

8	Loudoun United FC	25	3	19	3	-38	12	LLLDL

Hounds Remaining Schedule

Tampa Bay (Home) Sunday, October 10 6 p.m.
Miami FC (Away) Saturday, October 16 7:30 p.m.
Charleston (Home) Saturday, October 23 7 p.m.
Hartford (Home) Saturday, October 30 7 p.m.

Sounding Off on Soccer

PSN contributors Mark Goodman and Matt Popchock joined John Krysinsky for our first episode of Sounding Off on Soccer to discuss the Hounds current situation and more!

Related TopicsPittsburgh Riverhounds SC USL Championship

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).