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Post Match Reaction: Riverhounds rise to top of standings with fifth straight league win

Photo courtesy Ed Thompson

Riverhounds SC Post Match Coverage on Pittsburgh Soccer Now is presented by The Bulldog Pub

https://thebulldogpub.com/

 

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds didn’t waste any time scoring, as Junior Etou scored the fastest goal in club history, then Tola Showunmi added a late goal to secure a 2-0 victory against Charleston Battery on Saturday night at Highmark Stadium.

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 2, Charleston Battery 0

With the win, the Hounds jumped the Battery in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference standings.

After the match, PSN’s John Krysinsky caught up with Bob Lilley and Junior Etou.  In addition, we have Twitter reaction to the Hounds’ fifth straight league win below.

Post Match Interviews/Quotes with Bob Lilley and Junior Etou

Riverhounds Head Coach Bob Lilley on winning what he called another ‘gutty performance

“I told the guys good teams find ways, even if we didn’t have our best for the full game,” Lilley said.

“We got on top early, and as inconsistent as we were on the ball, we made it hard for them. I like to see that. We’re starting to rack up shutouts in the league, which is important, especially as we’re getting ready to play some potent teams offensively.”

Post Match Press Conference with Coach Lilley began with the question, is scoring a goal 21 seconds into a match a blessing or a curse?

“It was probably a curse,” Lilley said of scoring in the first minute.

“It’s a great goal, and its important in the game, but I don’t think we ever established how we wanted to play this game. When you score that early, you put that one in the bank and it’s like a CD or a retirement fund. You don’t spend it. You go back to it being 0-0 and play.”

Hounds MF Junior Etou on making the most of his chance early in the match

“Before the game, Coach (Lilley) said when I make a run in the box and the ball comes to me, hit it with my first touch,” Etou said. “Last game against Cincinnati, the same ball came in. I went to take a touch and finish and didn’t.

“It was a strike that I need to score, and I think our midfielders need to score more because we have had so many chances coming into today’s game. Today, I got the goal and it felt good for me.”

#PITvCHS Twitter Reaction 

 

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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).

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Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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