Riverhounds HC Bob Lilley on 3-1 loss at Miami: ‘We just took the foot off the gas’

Following Riverhounds 3-1 loss at Miami, which Pittsburgh held 1- 0 lead at the half, only to allow three unanswered goals in the second half, here are Head Coach Bob Lilley’s post-match comments.

On losing the lead in the second half:

“We just took our foot off the gas. It didn’t help early in the second half that they came out with some intent, and I don’t think we were quick to respond. We weren’t getting pressure on the ball, and they played a few balls in behind us. On the first goal, we didn’t shift on the back line, and they found a seam. Now you’re scrambling, and the guy was able to get the shot off even with a couple players there to try and get a block on it.”

On the response to the first goal:

“We didn’t respond with the same intensity we came out with. You’re there trying to win the game, and at 1-1, it’s certainly disappointing, but you still want to respond positively. It was disappointing they got the second goal so quickly, because at 2-1, now you’re in a bad position and have to chase the game.”

On controlling play in the first half:

“First half, we were wasteful. There were plenty of positives, but at some point, you can’t consider it a good half if you don’t make something of those chances. It could’ve bitten us last week against Vegas when we only got the one goal. It didn’t, but today it did. It’s disappointing we didn’t self-correct that from last week. It was a great start getting after them and getting the goal, but the way we started, we need to finish our chances.”