USL Championship Eastern Conference Final
#4 Riverhounds vs. #7 Rhode Island FC
Pittsburgh Soccer Now Coverage Team
John Krysinsky, Reporting
Mark Goodman, Reporting and Photography
Ed Thompson, Photography
Instant Match Summary
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds needed just one goal.
With the USL Championship Eastern Conference Final entering the second half as a scoreless, knockout, drag-down affair, and the team sitting on a streak of more than three and half matches without scoring, Pittsburgh-area native Robbie Mertz came through in the clutch, breaking a deadlock in the 55th minute with a brilliant individual effort that proved to be the difference in the club’s 1-0 win vs Rhode Island FC before a record number of 6,745 fans at an electric Highmark Stadium on Saturday night.
“It means a lot. We’ve been through a lot in this organization, not just this year but the last six or seven years,” Mertz said.
“To still be a part of it at this stage of my career and to have this moment is so special.”
With the win, the Riverhounds now advance to the USL Championship Final to be played on Saturday, November 22, at Noon against FC Tulsa, who defeated New Mexico, 3-0, on Saturday.
Rhode Island would play most of the second half down a man, as former Riverhound Marc Ybarra was sent off for accumulation of two yellow cards in the 61st minute — but that only stepped up the visitors push to find an equalizing goal.
Goalkeeper Eric Dick made five saves, including two big stops during Rhode Island’s desperate attempts to get one back.
When the whistle blew, for the first time since the Riverhounds moved into Highmark Stadium and in the history of the franchise, they will now be playing in a Championship game for a league title.
“They threw everything at us in the last 15, 20 minutes, but thankfully we stood strong,” Rob Vincent, Riverhounds acting Head Coach said.
“Some big tackles. Some big saves. A little bit of luck in there as well. So, just really happy.”
Match Day Updates
Stay with us throughout the evening as we post starting line-ups, provide match updates, in-game commentary along with Social Media highlights from Highmark Stadium.
For additional updates follow PSN social media platforms: Instagram | X/Twitter
FINAL SCORE — RIVERHOUNDS 1, RHODE ISLAND 0
90′ ++ 7 — RIFC last chance free kick cleared by Osumanu!!
90′ — SEVEN MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME
88′ – Final substitution window for both teams. For Rhode Island, Clay Holstad on for Hamady Diop. On our side, Brigham Larsen in up front for Augi Williams.
84′ – Second Hounds substitution; Illal Osumanu enters the match in place of Beto Ydrach. We have three changes left, RI with one.
79′ — SUB — HOUNDS
- IN — Jackson Walti
- OUT — Charles Ahl
76′ — Foul on edge of box. RIFC’s Albert Dikwa
74′ — SAVE!! Eric Dick with a massive stop! RIFC’s J.J. Williams gets behind Sean Suber and only has Hounds keeper to beat. High shot is pushed over bar with quick reaction stop.
62′ — Attendance being announced as 6,745 here at Highmark Stadium.
60′ — DOUBLE YELLOW — RED CARD — to RIFC’s Marc Ybarra.
Rhode Island’s midfielder is sent off for his second yellow card of the match
55′ — GOAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL – PITTSBURGH
51′ — Chance for Augi Williams who gets to a deflected ball with lots of spin on it by right endline. One-time chance from tough angle sails across the goal box and past the left post
HALFTIME — PITTSBURGH 0, RHODE ISLAND 0
1st Half
42′ — YELLOW CARD! J.J Williams takes out Junior Etou and the RIFC forward is now sitting on hot seat for the rest of the match.
21′ — RIFC turns a corner into a shot, dribble
10′ — very good transition moment for RIFC. Noah Fusion on the end of connection to right edge of box — but hits side netting.
6′ — Bradley Sample draws a foul about 30 yards from goal. Mertz free kick goes into crowded box, but eventually cleared away.
5′ — Early going — Hounds have controlled possession and earned one corner but no clear cut looks
PREGAME — took a walk around — this place is buzzing!
No surprise from either side looking at lineups. Once again, Gui Vactor (defender) is out and not in the 18. Same lineup as last week for Hounds.
Starting Lineups:
UPDATE: John Krysinsky and Mark Goodman will be LIVE on the field on Instagram at approximately 5:40 p.m. or shortly after starting lineups are announced.
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