MONTCLAIR, N.J. (October 14, 2018) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-5-14) dropped its final game of the regular season, 2-1, to New York Red Bulls II (13-8-13) on Sunday at MSU Soccer Park.

Defender Joe Greenspan scored the team’s sole goal in second-half stoppage time after the squad fell behind 2-0. Pittsburgh will now ready for a playoff match against Bethlehem Steel FC, taking place at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

"I think, for us, to regroup, understand what's at stake and we'll get them plenty of rest this week," head coach Bob Lilley said. "It'll be important for us to have jump in our step next weekend. We need another gear at playoff time, and I think we have it."

How It Happened

New York struck first in the 30th minute to go up 1-0.

After defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele misplayed a ball in the Hounds’ end, Red Bulls II striker Tom Barlow stole possession and sprinted into the left side of the penalty box before placing a shot far post by goalkeeper Dan Lynd.

The Hounds had two shots on target in the first half. Their first came off the left foot of Romeo Parkes in the 16th minute, but New York goalkeeper Scott Levene saved his chance. In the 21st minute, Kenardo Forbes took a free kick from just outside of the 18-yard box, but Levene collected the midfielder’s shot after it slipped through the wall.

Pittsburgh had an opportune moment to tie the game in the 71st minute.

After outside defender Jordan Dover was fouled inside of the 18-yard box, Forbes lined up to take the chance from the penalty spot. However, Forbes’ shot was saved by Levene, who dove to his left and blocked the ball safely out toward the sideline.

New York posted an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time. Receiving a pass from José Aguinaga on the break, Jared Stroud launched a shot far post into the back of the net to give New York the 2-0 advantage.

Red Bulls II ultimately needed this insurance tally, as the Hounds spoiled the shutout attempt just four minutes later. Taking a corner kick, Joe Holland booted a ball into the penalty area and found the head of Joe Greenspan, who placed it into the twine.

Man of the Match

Defender Joe Greenspan notched the Hounds’ lone goal of the match, in addition to leading the club with 13 clearances.

Stat of the Game

The Hounds set a team record with a 0.76 goals per game average this season.

Beyond the Box Score

• Thomas Vancaeyezeele sets a team record with 32 single-season starts.
• Pittsburgh held New York to nine total shots. Red Bulls II averaged more than 18 total shots per game heading into the match.
• Kevin Kerr made his first appearance since an Aug. 4 home match against Toronto FC II. Kerr has missed time due to a lower-body injury.
• Tobi Adewole led the team with six interceptions during the match.

What’s Next

With the completion of its regular season, No. 3 seed Riverhounds SC will battle No. 6 seed Bethlehem Steel FC at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium for the first-ever playoff game in the venue’s history. For a chance to witness a historical showdown, purchase your tickets now at riverhounds.com/fillthemark.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Dan Lynd – Ray Lee (Joe Holland 79’), Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Joe Greenspan, Tobi Adewole, Jordan Dover – Ben Zemanski (Mouhamed Dabo 73’) – Romeo Parkes, Christiano François (Kevin Kerr 86’), Kenardo Forbes – Neco Brett

Subs not used: Mike Kirk, Kay Banjo, Andrew Lubahn, Hugh Roberts

New York Red Bulls II – Scott Levene – Ethan Kutler, Jordan Scarlett (Hassan Ndam 87’), Kevin Politz, Allen Yanes - Steven Echeverria (Andrew Tinari 65’), Cristian Cásseres Jr., José Aguinaga – Amando Moreno (Jared Stroud 75’), Tom Barlow, Brian White

Subs not used: Evan Louro, Niko De Vera, Chris Lema, Lucas Stauffer

Scoring Summary:

NY – Tom Barlow 30’

NY – Jared Stroud 90’+1 (José Aguinaga)

PGH – Joe Greenspan 90’+5 (Joe Holland)