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Adewole Proved Unlikely Hero for Hounds

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/19/18, 4:01PM EDT

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Defender has put in stellar display at back prior to game-winner against Ottawa


Photo courtesy Chris Cowger / Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

PITTSBURGH – In terms of picking out who was going to come up with the game-winning goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last Saturday night against Ottawa Fury FC, you probably couldn’t have found a more unlikely candidate than Tobi Adewole.

The 6-foot-3 center back didn’t even register a shot in 15 appearances for the Hounds during his first professional season for the club last year, let alone find the back of the net. As Pittsburgh’s pursuit of a game-winner against an obstinate Ottawa defense reached a boiling point with five minutes to go at Highmark Stadium, though, there was Adewole to tuck home Kevin Kerr’s low cross in the 1-0 win.

“It set in a day later,” said Adewole this week. “I didn’t believe it when it happened.”

The victory was Pittsburgh’s second of the season, part of a four-game undefeated run to start the new season that will get a major test this Saturday when the Hounds visit FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium (7 p.m. ET | Match Center). As the lone side yet to concede a goal so far this season in the league, the defensive structure installed by Bob Lilley has quickly paid dividends for a side looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Adewole is doing his part in that defensive success, sitting tied for the team lead with eight interceptions, second in clearances with 22 and first on the team with four blocked shots. Adewole is also performing well in his one-on-one matchups, winning 29 of 45 duels (64.4 percent) and 21 of 33 aerial duels (63.6 percent) as the Hounds have allowed a league-fewest five shots on target.

The 22-year-old gives a lot of credit for that to Lilley, who is having a major influence on the former George Washington University and Jersey Express defender.

“Bob helps me a lot,” said Adewole. “He holds me accountable for everything. If I look like I’m tired or out of focus, then he snaps me back in it very quickly. He lets me know when I’m doing something right. He lets me know when I’m doing something wrong.”


Photo courtesy Chris Cowger / Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Cincinnati brings some serious attacking talent to the table, however, and given the traditional sporting rivalry between the two cities this weekend’s game is one that many neutrals will have circled to watch. The Hounds believe taking control of the tempo of the game and limiting the influence the large crowd expected for the game can have is going to be key to success on the road.

“I think we need to get ahold of the ball,” said Hounds Goalkeepers Coach Hunter Gilstrap. “That’s sort of been the big thing. I think if you asked anybody in the group in the last several games we’ve shown glimpses of being able to control the game.”

As much fun last Saturday night was for Adewole, his focus is now firmly on what’s next.

“Last game happened,” he said. “What happened last game doesn’t mean anything this game.”

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