Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Riverhounds SC playoff game cancelled, season over, due to positive COVID-19 cases

by
John Krysinsky
November 6, 2021

In a stunning development, the Riverhounds SC won’t be moving to play in the USL Championship playoffs — as Sunday’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match Sunday vs Birmingham Legion FC, was officially cancelled due to postive COVID-19 cases within the team and the organization.

The annnouncement came from the USL Championship this morning.

The cancellation is the result of a cluster of positive COVID-19 cases within our team. Because of the positive tests, it was determined that there was no way for the team to safely travel to Birmingham, Ala., and field a full, competitive team for Sunday’s playoff match.

The most important thing for our club is the safety of our players. Those who have tested positive are currently in quarantine, and we hope for a rapid and full recovery for all of our players experiencing symptoms.

“I’m gutted right now for Bob Lilley, his staff and our players to have the season end like this after all their hard work,” Riverhounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger said through a team release. “I’m also disappointed for our fans, who have been behind us all season. I hate to see our season end this way, but we’re going to come back even stronger next season.”

Pittsburgh Soccer Now will have more on this story to follow.

Related TopicsCOVID-19 featured 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).