Riverhounds survive cagey playoff tussle with Hartford in penalty kick shootout

USL Championship — Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

FINAL: #4 Riverhounds 0, #5 Hartford Athletic 0 (Pittsburgh win PK shootout, 4-2)

Match Statistics: USL Championship

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC survived and advanced by defeating Hartford Athletic in USL Championship Eastern Conference in a match that went the distance, ultimately decided by a penalty kick shootout, where the home side prevailed, 4-2.

Goalkeeper Eric Dick made the initial save in the shootout, denying Hartford’s first attempt from former USL Most Outstanding Player and Golden Boot winner, Hadji Berry.

“We have to prepare for anything.  It was definitely a cagey game.  But we had to keep fighting,” Rob Vincent, Riverhounds Acting Head Coach, said shortly after the match.

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In advancing in the USL Cup Tournament, the Hounds will now host Detroit City FC, who stunned the Players Shield Winners, Louisville City FC, 1-0, earlier in the evening.

The first half started with the visitors looking to get forward quickly — generating a few dangerous moments in the first two minutes.

Hartford took the opening kick and generated an early chance, from outside the box, when midfielder Marlon Hairston ripped a chance from just outside the box.

Moments later, Hartford got forward quickly, with Samuel Careaga with a burst to the edge of the endline — found room to drive a low shot into goal.

Hounds fans would breathe a sigh of relief — as Green and Blue were offside.

“We looked really nervous.  Hoping we would get through that spell,” Vincent added.

“There’s always going to be a lot of energy.  We had to do our best to keep our emotions in check.”

As the proceedings began to get chippy as both sides were flying around in the first 10 minutes, Luke Biasi was caught behind Hartford’s Michee Ngalina, then made contact — drawing the match official to pull out the book for a yellow card.  The Hounds’ most carded player this season is was already put into the books early in the match.

For the next 10 to 12 minutes, the match saw numerous stoppages, culminating with Dick’s knock down of Hartford’s Joey Farrell as both went up for a high ball at far post.

Pittsburgh’s best chance of the half came when Robbie Mertz’s free kick sent to back post connected with defender Beto Ydrach, who redirected a blazing header low toward the inside right post but a diving save by Hartford keeper Antony Siaha.

The first half played out with the Hounds really getting more comfortable on the ball — owning the possession edge by a 64/36 differential.

The second period things shifted to a tighter affair with the Hounds having a slight edge in shots for the last 45 (3-2) — and the same carried through in extra time, with no decisive moments or chances — giving way to the match being decided on penalties.

“It was a playoff atmosphere,” Suber said.

“We had to clear our heads and get ready for the moment.”

For Pittsburgh, it was the fourth penalty kick shootout in the postseason in the Highmark Stadium era and the first which they prevailed at home.

Look for a more detailed recap to follow in this thread, plus reaction here and on Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s social media platforms.

Post Match Interviews — Eric Dick, Sean Suber & Rob Vincent

https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghsoccernow/reel/DQiZO2VgA_7/

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).