Takeaways and Player Grades: Riverhounds bend but don’t break in win at Sacramento

If the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC are able to continue its streak of seasons of making the postseason under the helm of Bob Lilley this season, they may look back at Saturday’s night’s result — a nervy 1-0 win at Sacramento — as an important moment where they came though with a positive result in the face of plenty of fire.

Riverhounds escape Sacramento with nervy 1-0 win

Takeaways

Hounds Start Off on the Front Foot, Again

It was a hard-fought match, as some intense physical play in the first half that even led to one injury, as former Hound Shane Wiedt had to leave after a hard should-to-shoulder collision with Hounds forward EJ Johnson, a former Republic Academy product now playing for Pittsburgh.

Despite neither side doing much for the first half hour plus, the Hounds were superb defensively, shutting down Sacramento’s attack, closing down space repeatedly and keeping a few shot chances from difficult angles and distance.

Pittsburgh had the better of play, setting up numerous crosses, corners and a few free kick chances, but didn’t capitalize until a throw-in on the left sideline late in the half.

The Hounds’ build-up play with short one-time passing cut through the spaces starting with Junior Etou throw in, then a little give-and-go between Danny Griffin and Robbie Mertz, leading to Griffin getting deeper down the left side, where he slipped a pass under the legs of a Republic defender. Kizza allowed the ball to run to his right foot, and he cracked a shot into the top right corner, beating former Hound and reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Danny Vitiello.

Kizza has been the Hounds’ most consistent presence in the attacking group all season, and this clinical finish shows that in addition to his solid overall play on and off the ball, that he’s a valued presence and reliable scorer.  There are some big chances I am sure that Kizza would like to have back from earlier games this season, but his form over the past month-plus has been excellent.

Only moments before, in the 32nd minute, Griffin had a golden chance thanks to a terrific pass from Robbie Mertz, but the Hounds captain’s shot — also from near same spot Kizza scored — just missed wide right.

Eric Dick Stands Tall

The second half was a different story.

While the Hounds continued to press forward when they had chances, the match opened up a bit more especially for Sacramento, as they continued to own the possession battle (ended with 67 percent of the ball), and thus the Hounds’ were chasing even more of the game in the second half.

Still, defensively, the group played hard, scrambling with tackles and clearances at times, and when some of Sacramento’s talented attackers has shot opportunities, Dick was put to the test.

The veteran keeper, who had started the first seven matches of the season, but then was benched in favor of both Jacob Randolph and Gabe Perrotta for a few different stretches this season, came up with his best performance as a Hound, and quite possibly the best performance by a Pittsburgh keeper in a long time.

Dick ended the first half by making his first save a dynamite one — with diving stop to deny Phillips, who nearly had the bottom right corner picked out, but the Hounds goalie would be much busier after the break.

Then the second half barrage came in waves.

Dick stopped an early chance by Luis Felipe, but his starring moment came in the 64th minute when he produced a double save, first denying Phillips again, and then going low but still tipping over Gurr’s attempt on the rebound.

In the 77th minute, Gurr tried his luck with a blistering shot from distance, but Dick impressed with a caught save that he showed no sign of bobbling.

Implications of Crucial Road Win

It was an important three points for the Hounds to pick up, as they’re hanging around, still within striking distance of the playoff line, now four points behind both Detroit City FC and Rhode Island.

And guess what?  The Hounds will now have a short turnaround and play Detroit City for another (shorter) road trip to Michigan on Wednesday night.

Because they dug such a deep hole for themselves in the first half of the season, the Hounds are pretty much in pressure cooker situations for the rest of the season, as there’s very little room for error.

On Saturday, winning on the road in a place where they’ve never won before, provides further hope for the Hounds’ season.

The grind won’t get any easier, but they should have a lot of confidence as they head to Detroit on Wednesday for a return match against a team they’re trying to chase down.

They also have matches remaining against Rhode Island (this will also feature the return of Albert Dikwa) in early September, as well as a few other teams ahead of them in the standings (Birmingham, Loudoun United, Charleston)

Buckle up Pittsburgh soccer fans — things are only going to get more interesting from here.

Hounds Player Grades (vs Sacramento)

GK — Eric Dick – 8.5 – not tested until late in first half but then after that it was a barrage, but the veteran keeper held his own, making the most saves by Hounds keeper since Mauricio Vargas. Described accurately in club’s game report as an ‘inspired match’ in goal for the Hounds, making a season-high eight saves — six of which came in the second half — to record his seventh shutout of the season.

Winger/Outside Back — Junior Etou – 6 – by his standards he’s created this season, it was relatively quieter match for making an impact in the box, but thought he was solid in his defensive responsibilities (three interceptions and two blocked shots) especially in closing down space a few times effectively on Sacramento attackers

CB – Luke Biasi – 6 – good night for the most part, solid in getting passes into the final third (team high 16!), just has to watch those fouls (committed team high 4) in the final third.

CB – Sean Suber – 7 – in middle of three-man center back set up has become more and more confident, had team high eight clearances (4 headed away) and in this match handled 1v1 situations very well.

CB – Illal Osumanu – 5.5 – created one chance, won two of eight duels — with five total defensive actions including two blocks and two clearances

Winger/Outside Back – Langston Blackstock – 5.5 – wasn’t able to get forward as much in this match (only two touches in opposition box), tracking back defensively a lot especially in the second half.

CMF – Jackson Walti  – 6.5 – Growing more and more comfortable in his role with Hounds. Was paired with Danny Griffin in central midfield, stayed a bit deeper and had less touches (33), but was very efficient with his passing (20/22 – 91%) and active defensively in this role.

CMF – Danny Griffin – 6 – created one chance — that was the goal (no assist credited though). Was also a bit ambitious with his shot selection and missed a really good opportunity in the first half.  Defensively solid, as usual, but did concede a pair of fouls and 4/11 in duels.

AMF – Robbie Mertz – 6 – in this match, he pushed and roamed higher than the two forwards for many stretches, with Kizza mostly to his left and EJ Johnson to his right.

F – Edward Kizza – 7 – made his big chance count once again, and with that now leads team with five goals. Both shots taken were on target.

F – Emmanuel Johnson – 6 – clearly playing very hard, as that collision in first half with Wiedt, and that high energy and willingness to cover a lot of ground is what Bob Lilley demands from his forwards. Had 17 touches, two shots and drew a foul in just 45 minutes.

Subs 

Kazaiah Sterling 46′ – missed a golden chance to put Hounds up 2-0, in stoppage time.

Kenardo Forbes 77′ – this is becoming Kenardo’s role now with the club, to provide quality and leadership on the pitch late in matches

Babacar Diene 77′ – another staple in the rotation who has been regularly coming off bench

Pat Hogan 84′ – first time back since being out for a couple of weeks

Pierre Cayet 80′ – just the ninth appearance of season, providing much needed depth on a week Hounds are playing multiple matches.

What’s next?

The Hounds have a quick turnaround for their final midweek match of the season, when they will head back on the road to face Detroit City FC at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, in a match on CBS Sports Network. Detroit (8-7-5) drew 1-1 earlier today against Rhode Island FC