Connect with us

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Riverhounds Post Match: Bob Lilley and Robbie Mertz interviews plus Twitter/X reaction to heartbreaking loss

Photo courtesy Ed Thompson

The Riverhounds SC found yet another way to break the hearts of Pittsburgh soccer fans, this time waiting until the very late moments of stoppage time to surrender a goal in a match they controlled throughout.

PSN’s Griffin Floyd has the match recap from Highmark Stadium, where the fans went home disappointed once again, as the Hounds now have a 2-4-2 record at home this season, despite strong attendance numbers.

Defensive lapse in stoppage time haunts Riverhounds in 1-0 loss to Monterey Bay FC

In the end, a defensive breakdown in the first minute of stoppage time turned into the game-winner from forward Ousseni Bouda.

Griffin Floyd was there for post match press conference with Riverhounds Head Coach Bob Lilley and midfielder Robbie Mertz after the match.

Lilley had plenty to say, and we’ll recap more of that in the coming days.

What everyone was most curious to hear, was his reaction to the defensive lapse on the goal the Hounds surrendered in the 93rd minute (stoppage time).

“I’d rather see (Sean Suber) one-time the ball forward there, because that late in the game everything should be going forward,” Lilley said.

“I understand the concept of trying to bring the ball down and play it back, but at that time of the game the keeper is just going to knock it forward. I thought Sean otherwise had a pretty good game, but he under hit that pass.”

Lilley was pleased with most of his team’s performance, but the result is going to be tough to bear for at team in need of results.

“Overall we played reasonably well, but part of winning games is finishing chances and not making mistakes at the wrong time,” Lilley said.

“We made a mistake on the goal, but we also were reckless with the ball in the second half. We lost the ball in some dangerous areas that could’ve cost us as well.”

Here are a few words and clips from the post match press conference with Mertz.

“The timing of the game made it even harder for him, but that is not the time to point fingers or blame one person because there were chances at the other end that we should have converted,” Mertz said.

“That would have put us in an advantageous situation where Sean is not even thinking about trying to keep that ball. We’re leading the game, and he can just make the easy play. That’s what it comes down to is that it’s a team game. The blame doesn’t fall on anyone personally.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

X/TWITTER REACTION TO RIVERHOUNDS LOSS

 

Related Topics

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).

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

PSN’s Featured Community Partner: Open Field International

More in Pittsburgh Riverhounds