Struggling Riverhounds can find inspiration from short history of solid home performances vs MLS clubs in US Open Cup

The Riverhounds SC have been around longer than many Major League Soccer clubs, as Pittsburgh’s pro soccer franchise began play back in 1999.

One of those clubs who the Hounds have more history than is its opponent this coming Wednesday night at Highmark Stadium (7 p.m.), New York City FC, who came into existence just 10 years ago — in 2015.

Despite competing in the Open Cup most every season since 1999, the Hounds have only faced Major League Soccer clubs three previous times in Pittsburgh.  This is — by far — the shortest span between hosting MLS clubs in the Highmark Stadium era with NYCFC coming to Pittsburgh just two years after Columbus’ visit.

In each of those matches the Hounds proved to be a very, very tough out for each MLS club that came to the Steel City — posting two wins in three matches (with their only loss coming in a match that went to extra time).

This match-up vs a MLS club comes at a time when the Hounds are in terrible form.

It might be the worst run of play they’ve been on before facing a Major League Soccer club at home.

The Hounds have lost three straight matches and four of its last five in all competitions.

They returned home on Saturday unable to shake the same issues that have been haunting them in a 2-0 loss to North Carolina FC.  The continuing issues include continuing to struggle with creating or generating any quality chances in the final third and faltering in the second half of matches.

Hounds’ Head Coach Bob Lilley’s pulled off his share of historic wins against MLS teams in his illustrious coaching career — but a win against NYCFC with the way his current group is playing, would be mighty impressive.

Following the loss to North Carolina FC, marking a second straight year where his club has been inept on the attacking end in the first half of the season, Lilley put forth a bit of an ultimatum.

“They are either going to respond or not,” Lilley stated.

“I’m going to put 11 players out there that will play better. Mix it up more. Not everybody is going to play 90 minutes. I hope we can get a better overall effort.”

The only win the Hounds had in their last five matches in all competitions which dates back to the beginning of April, is a 1-0 decision in the US Open Cup’s Third Round against Columbus Crew 2, a squad made up of many young players, with only a few in their 20s.

The current Riverhounds players — with a strong veteran core group — will need to lean into their experience and the club’s short sample size of history of solid home performances vs MLS clubs for a spark to keep their current Open Cup run going.

Maybe more importantly, they can seek a much needed boost to turn their overall fortunes in what has become a difficult stretch of play early in the 2025 campaign.

In 2023, when taking down the eventual MLS Cup champions, 1-0, they were fueled by more than 6,000 fans at an electric Highmark Stadium.

FINAL: Riverhounds SC 1, Columbus Crew SC 0 (US Open Cup Round of 16)

Prior to that, the Hounds only hosted one other MLS club at Highmark, facing off against DC United in a match that went to extra time — as we covered that match too, back in 2015.

The only other time Pittsburgh faced a MLS squad at home, was when they faced the Colorado Rapids, back in 2001, at Bethel Park Stadium — coming away with a 2-0 victory.

History suggests that you can throw out the records and run of form — and NYCFC should be prepared for a fight in Pittsburgh.

In the match against Columbus nearly two years ago, Pittsburgh were fueled by the largest crowd in Hounds history, as the fans decked out in white, and the fans shouted from whistle to whistle to exhort the boys to victory.

“They won the battle of the intensity and we were not able to match that,” Columbus’ Coach Wilfried Nancy noted that night, conceding that the energy from Highmark Stadium crowd was a factor.

Those 6,107 fans all went home immensely happy.

“The fans played a big part,” said Lilley after that match.

“We were tiring in the second half … and the fans pulled us through.”

Could history repeat itself?

One thing that might help — is that the Hounds’ find themselves against an opponent that despite its standing, doesn’t exactly have a great record in the Open Cup.

Despite some of the big names, star power and successes that the club has had in its short history — NYCFC has an underwhelming track record in the Open Cup (4W-5L-2D – both draws resulted in PK shootout losses).   In fact, they’ve only played one lower division team — rebooted NY Cosmos of the fledging 2010s version of NASL — away from home — which ended in a PK shootout loss for NYCFC following 2-2 draw back in their debut season in 2015.

Due to US Open Cup tournament format changes, the club’s second team, NYCFC II, made its only Open Cup appearance in 2024.  Ironically, the younger NYCFC squad had more success than the top team.  That NYCFC II club won four matches — making it all the way to the Round of 16 — before they eventually lost to USL Championship side, New Mexico United.

While it was almost a certainty heading into the match that the MLS side would opt to rest its high-priced stars and go with younger talent — as many MLS clubs do at this stage of the Open Cup, being that NYCFC had success in the Open Club last year with it’s second team may be a big sign that they’ll be starting a similar lineup.

That’s where it becomes a battle and test of each team’s roster depth.   Two years ago, Columbus came to Pittsburgh as a team with injury concerns and questions about depth.

Pittsburgh on the other hand, had one of its deepest rosters in recent years, going far into its bench in its Open Cup starting eleven selections — and grinding out strong performances from each players that made the most of their minutes.

Remember, Tola Showunmi, the Hounds big-body target striker, who rarely started but was known for coming off the bench, became a threat as a starter, going all out in executing Pittsburgh high press.

Lilley remarked after the match: “I think those Columbus center backs are going to be dreaming of Tola. Nightmares.”

Hopefully, for Pittsburgh soccer fans, the times are changing and more MLS clubs could make their way to play matches on the Mon as the Open Cup format has adjusted to point where USL Championship clubs may only need to win one match to get into a situation where they can host a MLS club.

Despite how difficult the season has been of late for the Riverhounds, for players, coaches and fans alike, Wednesday will provide a big opportunity to turn things around.

“There’s a certain amount of hope, that 6,000 fans are here — and you don’t want to let them down,” Lilley said after the win in 2023.

Look for much more coverage on PSN leading up to and at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday — as the Hounds will face NYCFC in the US Open Cup Round of 32. 

Fun Hounds’ Open Cup Factoids

• In the Highmark Stadium era (since 2013), the Hounds have posted an 14-10 overall record in the Open Cup. (this includes its 2nd round forfeit win vs Rochester NY FC).
• All-time, the Hounds are 19-19 overall in the Open Cup.
• The club the Hounds have faced the most in Open Cup?  None other than former Old Guard Shield rival Rochester (losses in 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010).  The forfeit win in 2023 technically was its first ever against Rochester in the competition.
• Other clubs the Hounds have faced more than once in the Open Cup
  • Chicago Fire (2001 & 2014)
  • DC United (2003 & 2015)
  • Michigan Bucks (2006 & 2012)
  • RWB Adria (2013 & 2014)
  • FC Cincinnati (2018, 2022, 2023)
  • Maryland Bobcats (2022 & 2023)
• In seven matches vs MLS opponents, the Hounds have posted a 3-7 record
  • The Hounds’ wins vs MLS foes came vs Colorado Rapids (2-0) on June 27, 2001, at Bethel Park Stadium and vs New England Revolution, 1-0, on May 9, 2023, at Gillette Stadium. Then, keeping its run going in 2023, the Hounds defeated Columbus, 1-0, at Highmark Stadium in the Round of 16.
  • Three of their losses came in matches that went to Extra Time (3-2 loss vs Chicago in 2001, 3-1 loss vs DC United in 2015 and 2-1 loss at FC Cincinnati in 2022)
• Against lower division teams, the Hounds have mixed success with an overall record of 11-7
  • After losing to Fourth Division Chicago FC United in 2017 and amateurs’ Landsdowne Bhoys in 2016, the Hounds have rebounded in the Bob Lilley era with wins against the Erie Commodores (2018) and Dayton Dutch Lions (2019), Maryland Bobcats (2022 and 2023).
  • In the Bob Lilley era, the Hounds are 9-5 in the Open Cup, with losses coming to FC Cincinnati (in 3rd Round in 2018, 3rd Round in 2022, Quarterfinal Round in 2023) and Columbus Crew (in 4th Round in 2019). Wins have come versus Erie, Dayton, Indy Eleven (2019), Maryland Bobcats (2022 & 2023), Rochester (2023),  New England (2023), Coulmbus (2023) and Columbus Crew 2 (2024).

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).