Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs Rhode Island FC: September 7, 2024

e would you [Music] beine e e e e e e e [Music] [Applause] [Music] two of the most informed teams in the Eastern Conference du battle tonight at High Mark stadium in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and tonight's match is presented by alagan Health Network the official medical provider of the Pittsburgh River hounds happy to have you with us this evening on ESPN plus alongside MLS veteran Ricky Lopez Espin I'm Joe Mala Ricky these two teams losses have been very rare as of late it's nine beaten for Pittsburgh it's only one loss in the last 13 for Rhode Island and they're only separated by a handful of points you look at this Rhode Island side they want to push to get a whole playoff game for conos but yet for the Pittsburgh River hounds you right below that playoff line if you're Bob buly massive three- points up for grabs after last time out you tied against Indy how do you grow from that confidence big match for the Pittsburgh River hounds here at home and this string for Pittsburgh has gone back now to July 13th nine unbeaten in that span four wins five draws and the key according to Bob Lily has just been consistency across the board consistency in the back understanding who they are when they're not on in possession getting that line of five getting that line of four whatever bubbly likes to implement in his defensive structure and then you push a blind higher letting those players Express themselves be confident and clinical in front of net and they've been a lot more composed in attacking 18 yard backs I would expect that to continue here at home another big reason for the success has been the play of Eric dick in goal he is tonight's player to watch brought to you by Melo feels like everything that's come his way has been cast aside we had the ability to speak with Bob we asked about Eric he said by game he's just continued to get better he's more secure with his hands he's comfortable with his feet and he's a big reason of why this picture griffer Hound has been so good in the back Eric Dick needs to be massive here today on the other side Rhode Island Again equally hot coming into this one their season really turned around back on June 22nd with that big win over Louisville ever since then seven wins one loss four draws unbeaten in the last four I think you have to give conell Smith a ton of credit to push all the right buttons to get the best out of the individual and then as as a result of that the collective has been a better as well understanding who they are on both sides of the ball on the attacking phas taking their chances and quickly in their defensive structure very difficult to break down this Rhode Island site is firing on all cylinders a lot of the attention goes to Albert dequa JJ Williams and the Midfield clay Hol but it's no fusan who's really stood out under the radar got four goals and six assists play centrally can play in wide parts of the field and just a pocket presence can beat you 1 V one can also beat you through individual Brilliance I do think no you saw he's going to play on the left hand side how comfortable can he be and how quickly can he get up the tempo cuz he shown he can be a game changer now these teams last met all the way back in April it's a lifetime ago after Rhode Island started the season one 4 and n and Pittsburgh started at 3 9 and six it's a whole different world now for these two teams separated by just Five Points the Eastern Conference playoff race continues to heat up now it's Pittsburgh and Rhode Island [Music] next looking amazing at Ahn we see you trying to be your absolute best and when it feels like you lost your Best along the way okay we see you taking control looks good prescription it says here and needing the quickest care possible let's go let's go at Ahn we see you [Music] ain't no better feeling than a cold one in my hand that's why I'll be keeping Iron City in my plans oh everywhere I roam I'll be thinking about my home sit and pouring on the iron right before I go to rest and when I'm laying in my bed there's only one thing in my head just a nice cold can of Pittsburgh PA's best the Excellence of driving a Buick is matched by the Excellence of the dealership experience when you own a [Music] Buick Buick exceptional by Design get 0.9% APR plus current eligible non GM owners get 3,000 purchase allowance on this 2024 Encore GX that's 10% below MSRP tonight's match is presented by Alig he Network take a look at tonight's story line it's beginning with Pittsburgh River hounds Ricky as always with Bob Lily it could shape shift in different ways but we think it starts out like this a four in the back Danny Griffin will be that single pivot so now you have walty and Sample the ability to fill in the gaps underneath that front three we might see Robbie merch play underneath but we'll not be surprised Joe if we talked about it Danny Griffin drops in you make that line of three so now you have biasi and Rivera so what is their work rate look like on both sides of the ball I do think for Pittsburgh riverhounds taking the game away from Rhode Island is going to be key here today on the other side for Rhode Island it's most of the same group that it's been the one change we touchdown already it's noow if usan coming in the starting 11 in that left wing back position we not be surprised if we see him play Central to look to combine with panot and then you have JJ Williams and Albert de what does that relationship look like turnbo playing the right hand side and provide width but that factory Doug and ya and S how compact can they be in their structure and keeping everything in front of them this is the 200th match for the Pittsburgh Riv Hounds in all competitions here at High Mark stadium and this is Rhode Island's first visit to this venue the only USL championship team before tonight that had yet to visit here and the 58th unique opponent for the river hounds on this field and it's unusual to see the river hounds not be the team wearing yellow in some form on this field so as you're sitting at home let your eyes adjust it is Rhode Island in that yellow from left to right and the river Hounds in the White from from right to left as we're set to get things going ABD the referee tonight Five Points separate these teams in the standings Rhode Island in fifth Pittsburgh just below the playoff line in ninth it's going to be a wild Sprint to the Finish now all teams in the USL Championship with single digit games remaining as we've entered the month of September and we are underway at High Mark Stadium happy to have you with us this evening alongside MLS federan Ricky Lopez Espin I'm Joe malfa second meeting of the Season between the river hounds and Rhode Island n nil draw back in April their first encounter Luke biasi down this left side tucks it in Robbie MZ the same p age with the new acquisition beral joas just came over from ra Salt Lake two days ago so no time to get adjusted just into the starting 11 tasol has a couple of appearances with the first team this year it's been a lot of last season in MLS 10 appearances this year it's mostly been MLS next Pro officially joined two days ago Albert dap on the MVP last year playing here with the river hounds very good relationship with Bob Lily those two chatted after their meeting back in April very cordial happy to see him continue on to have success just hopes that no more of it comes tonight bit of a motivation game for Albert deip a player like you said Joe Golden Boot MVP last season three goals three assist in 2024 nothing better than scoring against your old team as we take a look at Bob Lily manager that's had success at every stop of his career getting the best out of this riverhound side cono Smith has found a way to get the best out of this Rhode Island side talked a lot about just being patient and eventually knowing that breakthrough would come told us a lot this season as we've had a chance to check in with him periodically that they felt it's coming they felt it's coming and it never really felt like it was just coach be because you hear plenty of coaches say that as the year goes along and before you know it there's 5 weeks to go and you're 12 points off the pace but it always felt like it was true with Kos Smith in this group and sure enough something clicked for them and it did in that win in June on the road against Louisville still flying in first place Lou City but that was their first home loss of the Year still only home loss of the [Music] Year here is f side penny2 joined in May for about a month from New England Revolution and in June he was called back from his loan and then last week he went back on loan to Rhode Island so it's been back and forth and that's going to be one of the advantages for Rhode Island being so close in proximity played in by DEA settled by Williams but he's [Music] offside these two players can cause so many issues for opponents in their backline between Albert decoin and JJ Williams that first touch is fantastic from JJ Williams fortunate a fair dick that JJ Williams is caught offside cuz that's a foul if you're conell Smith how do you get those two understanding the movements off one another two players that can be those game changers for Rhode Island on the back end of this season and the keys of the game are brought to you by premium light logger that embodies the all black and gold I see light right on Q the Williams DEA connection for you is the key tonight for Rhode Island I think you look at this Rhode Island side for JJ Williams only two goals and five assists on the season so how do you get him finding the back of the net on more of a consistent basis on the other side for Pittsburgh River hounds we talk about the size that Rhode Island has so how good can you be in defensive structures and box defending is going to be key for p e [Music] side 62° tonight in Pittsburgh here is Griffin looking through so that's why you see a lot of the jackets to come out that's when you know we're getting close to the playoff races being decided jackets Come on maybe the gloves come out 62 dropping down into the low 50s tonight jocks sends it in front took a deflection already active early on Ron Jack difficult is it on such short notice to be in the starting 11 after a loan like that biasi to feed it to kid K up K it turns hits all the way through blasted by Bradley sample and is a really difficult f for Jackson just to get understanding the movements off one another but must has shown something that Bob Billy has really enjoyed to get the start here the ability to bring players in as samples coming across a really difficult technique to get your hips around it to put it back on target we've seen a little bit of a tactical wrinkle to start this game for the river hounds last be walty that step in drop into that back line of three so it'll be walty osumanu and sub as your back three biasi and Rivera as the wing backs for the river hounds JJ Williams forcing his way through goes back to what we said when we showed you the lineups you never quite know with Bob Lily you and I once we saw the 11 names we're trying to move the puzzle pieces around you and I thought about a back three but we started them talking about who would drop into it would it be sample or Griffin we never even considered walty and it's wal the one who's on that backline so you never really do know with B ly it also tells you how good of a coach Bob buly is to bring in a center midfielder and mold him throughout the season now he has the ability to be versatile pop off to that back line you have sample and Danny Griffin anchoring that Midfield so now you afford Robbie mzu go and just search the game and be the clever player that he [Music] is our colleague Devin Kerr Unearthed this stat about a month ago that Bob Lily teams from the month of August onward average nearly two points per match which is astounding it just shows that when he has time to get his hooks into a team especially in a year like this watch out play on that was going to go against sample seemed like it was going to go the other way for the undercut play on but once he gets his hooks into a team especially this year with all the turnover Pittsburgh had they always find a way but can they find a way above that playoff line where they're still searching still treading water just comes into this challenge really rash turn [Music] bolt like he said undercuts him I thought that was going the other way I was surprised when he played Advantage I agree B thought the same thing oh as well sample back on his own feet on his own power by pen2 looking for diwa you wondered how Pittsburgh would replace Albert diquat as he returns to High Mark Stadium tonight they found the replacement in Edward Kiza not quite the clip of the 20 that DEA scored last year but he's currently got seven which is the same number that daa currently has for Rhode Island if you ask Bob Lily he had a laugh with us this week if crossbars and posts counted as well you'd have a guy in K right now who's well above the double digit Mark he's been unlucky in that regard this year a lot of post a lot of crossbars so he's found those dangerous areas only seven have counted but seven games to go tonight onward he expects him to get above that double digit Mark all about efficiency for Edward kisup cuz like Bob ol has said like you just mentioned Joe does really well to get himself into dangerous areas but now it's how do you find the back of net on a consistent Bas basis but he's been fantastic FC for the river hounds especially in the attacking phase of the game not only scoring goals but having the ability to bring players into games as well that's something we've seen him grow tonight's match is presented by Alig Health Network the official medical provider of the Pittsburgh River [Music] hounds and the injury report tonight is exactly what we like to see it's sponsored by epic Insurance none and none for this late in the season that's not something you typically see glad it is that way for now question coming in for Pittsburgh was langon Blackstock he is available on the bench at least which is a good sign not fit to go 90 but able to come in later the only two players they missing Junior hetto with International Duty and then Pat Hogan with a red card last week fuson drives it in it's going to be the first corner of the evening for Rhode Island and this was a concern for Bob Lily with Hogan missing the height aspect on the back and can they deal with dequa Williams and the center backs here fantastic idea from Rhode Island here just to whip this ball into a dangerous area fantastic run to the back post from JJ Williams as they win a really dangerous set piece here and two stands over it had two assists and his five matches between May and June now back again on loan from New England curled in from penot 2 a throw from down near the corner [Music] flag P to with his right foot this time to good deflection and it was very awkward on the way into dick almost JJ Williams flying through here cono Smith these are the types of runs that you need from JJ Williams just to be proactive and wanting to get on the end of it the last second tries to slash across Eric dick but secure hands from the goalkeeper something that we mentioned in the open Bly Eric Dick his flowers and he just ke kept on getting better every time he walked across that white line side again [Music] againsta back in early August Bob Lily said the next Evolution for this group is finding consistency from that point on where they' found it and they've been unbeaten ever since said all year long they've had the same stinginess defensively they've just been waiting and waiting for the attack to match up and there was even a stretch earlier in the year where the defensive stinginess left them for a little bit and they were scoring goals it's only recently the last month month and a half that they finally combined the two together [Music] free kick for Rhode [Music] Island and that Midfield Trio for for Rhode Island and conno Smith has been fantastic the balance between Klay holstead and marara marar a little bit deeper so now Klay host that has the freedom to just go and join the attack insert this young man as well now you have quality through and through Williams centers it and that's again a look at their advantage in the air tonight R Island throughout this 2024 season we've seen Rhode Island elect to play to the back post ball and try to look down for a knock knock down so if you are one of the river hounds back line job is not done in the initial action you have to have the ability to track your individual runner for this second phase hav seen much of Pittsburgh on the ball in the early going it's Rhode Island dictating ohanu steps [Music] up sample Sean subber [Music] long for Kiza Mar down by Turnbull turns into some trouble Turnbull drops it back for a clearance by Stoneman and2 great run dequa and dequa going for goal it's off the post but the offside flag once again comes up third time in 13 minutes between Williams and DEA and that's been a problem fantastic bit of play from the visiting side you start on one side of the field you end on the other tell you what that's really tight Alber di really clever as he plays off The Blind Side of osumanu between him and Jackson walty not a natural Center back so having a bit of an issue at providing coverage and communicating with these two Defenders around him be a top priority for Bob Lily in that back line especially the clever runs of alert [Music] dquad lobbed up to Kiza R and Kisa both go up for it wi for biasi Luke biasi drives it back post over everybody merch trying to chase it down there's going to be some familiarity within the ranks here for Pittsburgh mentioned beron Jackson just comes in two days ago on loan from ra Salt Lake jackon played at pit 2020 to 2022 he overlapped at pit with Jackson walty They overlapped At pit as well with Robbie MZ for a year and Edward K did not overlap but he was at pit in 2019 so right before those other three guys got there you got four pit Panthers in this Pittsburg River starting 11 [Music] tonight the radar luxury there for Bob Lily who we know year after year just finds diamonds in the r off brings them in polishes them off and they turn into top players in this group to have an ACC program in your backyard here in pit between Pit's program itself which has always had a ton of talent and then all the teams that are coming in and out to visit pit throughout the season it's just a gold mine of college scouting for Bob Lily and it's showing up in the roster now Bradley sample fits that bill as well played for Louisville came here in the ACC tournament last year where Louisville upset pit Lily took that one in now it's DEA once again Williams making that run through the middle dequa looking for Williams but doesn't get [Applause] there seen cpses yet again of JJ Williams and Albert DEA the understanding both players very similar as they're very comfortable with the ball at their feet can pop into that half space and bring the secondary run off of them it does seem like the river hounds have shifted into a back four getting beat far too easily over the course of 15 minutes just with abber dein JJ Williams sure if JJ would be in the starting 11 been Mark Doyle the last few matches for Rhode Island and some pointed words from con Smith in our conversation this week that look it's a very competitive deep roster right now so you've got to continue to earn that starting spot and they just don't feel that JJ Williams had been up to stuff as a starter still impacting games especially coming in off the bench but that tandem have we been waiting to kick it into a higher gear between Williams and dequa really just hasn't fully burst out yet and part of it is those two guys so similar and how they play occupying the same spot almost I mean just look at their careers whether it was Albert de or JJ Williams just so comfortable playing as a lone Striker so Conor Smith it's a matter of how to get your best attacking players on the field at the same time so yes there's going to be a little bit of a learning curve and we see it in real time especially through JJ Williams making those runs down the channel making those selfless types of movements to free a bber deup with his talent level he should be hitting around 78 nine goals on the year bar lunges through another former Pittsburgh riverhound went to Rhode Island with [Music] daa sample Bradley sample with the outside of the boot a cheeky little flick on [Music] that's a bit of a tactical change now for B Le so Bradley sample has a freedom to shift out to this left hand side really difficult technique just too much air underneath it K Vegas easily like here's a ball Haven really called the name Danny Griffin yet that's who Kos Smith wanted to key in on for Road Island said he unlocks basically everything that Pittsburgh does offensively he hasn't quite taken that Kon Forbes role and the assist king of USL Championship on the bench tonight for the river hounds getting up there in age and obviously not able to do what he once could Griffins assumed that role not again quite to the same assist tally that we always typically seen from Forbes but he's the key now that unlocks things in the way that Forbes used to be it's just that connect the tissue from that backline all the way to the Striking unit of Bob's side he's comfortable in the ball he keeps the game moving but where he excels is just the ability to cover so much ground and clock passing lanes and just it's a good header daqua on the turn has a wide open Turnbull finds him Turnbull lobs it in over Williams flicked away and out for a corner samanu and this Rhode Island side that has score for 39 SS in 2024 can hurt you in so many ways we've seen them play direct we've seen JJ Williams and aera combin but now you provide the width with turn bll and fusan good ball in Flawless defending forano just to put it out for a corner [Music] kick short corner now floated in body he's still there is it over complicating things where we've talked about the advantage they have tonight in the air is it over complicating it to not just drive it in from a corner like that it's an interesting decision for Conor Smith because like we mentioned earlier they're looking for that knockdown or knock that headed across at sixy BLX but I do tend to agree with you Joe just put the ball in the mixer and just see what happens you have the size Advantage especially through your three center backs oh samanu Springs Rivera kept in play Harley Jackson walty up the right side now little switch here for the river hounds MTI flicked on out for a goal kick during this unbeaten run for Pittsburgh happy with the way they played where they've actually felt like they've left some points on the table some matches that seem to be wins slipped turned into draws that again is why they are still below that playoff line in the live table they are a point behind Lowden Lowden would have two games in hand and lost last night on the road against Louisville Pittsburgh would have six games to play they're on 33 points Lowden eight games to play on 34 points obviously Lowden with the upper hand but time will tell and if you look at the schedule the one you circle is October 19th it's Pittsburgh at loud in it very well could decide things when all said and done gr at the East Gate for a makeful bacon barbecue burger these are just too good to miss hounds fans join on Saturday September 2th when the hounds welcome Birmingham Legion to town get your tickets today Kiza Griffin Firs it out to Rivera couldn't get the touchdown just need a little bit more of a presence essentially for PA Lily whether whether it is Danny Griffin or Robbie MZ because as Conor Smith likes to play with three players in that location those areas right there that's when you can really hurt this Rhode Island side cuz now you afford ya stowman to step off their line and that's when Ed Edward Kiza can make that secondary movement but everything has been around everything has been in front of this backline for for Rhode Island it makes life very easy for conno Smith's side they really grown defensive Rhode Island it felt like earlier in this year even through the early mid parts of June it felt like youd look at the score box and at the end of the night it was 2-2 it was 3-2 that game against Louisville was 5-2 that was a regularity for o Island but that's sort of petered off a bit part of it is getting Grant stonin back healthy they were missing him early in the year the other part of that is Morris Dugen coming in on loan from Minnesota United had their eye on Dugen for a while even last year at this time as they were trying to lay the groundwork for their inaugural roster he was on on the radar gets drafted by Minnesota been looking for minutes hasn't found them Minnesota made it work benefits both Minnesota's player gets some minutes and rhod Island gets a player they've been coveting all along for the rest of the season here on loan a left footed lefts side and Center back in this back three and it's helped transform them defensively we've seen it over the last four or five [Music] games Turnbull wins it holstead Clos down quickly biasi wins it clean Luke biasi with some options biasi Edline biasi in front looking for K up he's flashed a couple of times tonight biasi really good recognition from biasi as the river hounds have a lot of numbers understands that clay hilon never Peaks over his shoulder so why not step in and force the turnover equally as clever from Yao understand there's only one and 10 to Target [Music] those are moments that if you are Bob Lily you do really well to get yourself into the attacking 18 yard box but now you need a secondary option too many times it's Edward Kiza the lone Striker for the river hounds near post far post top of that sixy box are the targets that you need to have runs crashing the goal from Rivera walty sends it back into the mixer it's grabbed by K Vegas quiet for veas so far neither keeper has had to make a save But Eric dick has been under more [Music] pressure oh Sanu [Music] getting way ahead of myself here but you're curious how this will look in the second half Pittsburgh have always been a collected more reserved team but will there be more aggression more risk-taking from Bob's side if it's say 15 minutes remaining and it's still nil nil do you have to try and go for the win at the expense of maybe a loss instead of a drop because you're in that spot where Lowden has those two games in hand and and you're in a position where you need every point a tie it's good it helps and if Lowden is unable to pick up points of their own it certainly helps but at this point a draw is almost as good as a loss depending on how the board breaks for you things to consider as this goes on longer it stays nil [Music] nil Rhode Island on the other hand safer but not safe 38 points the live table Five Points clear of Pittsburgh have to do quite the freef fall here for a team that's lost once since mid June to miss the playoffs but they have their sight set on a home playoff game that's well within reach they're tied in the live table on points with fourth place Detroit City top four will get that first round home playoff game although it doesn't necessarily always mean good things just asked Pittsburgh of last year when they were the one seed and the USL Shield winners and they lost to 8C Detroit 1- n in the first round of the playoffs these are areas of the field Jo that I do think if you are Bob Lily in the river hounds you need to have a pocket presence Robbie Merz needs to be more influential in the buildup phase cuz as this first first half has progressed iar and holet are stepping a little bit too high so there's about 12 to 15 yards between them and the backline for Rhode Island so if he just pop Robbie merch right in that pocket of space you can really unbalance because now you have two attacking units Jack and Edward Kiza that you can play off of haven't seen those two link up yet again just two days ago that Jackson came in on loan from Royale Salt Lake 22-year-old from France 16th overall pick in last year's MLS draft L on by Williams [Music] watch outa grabbing his face on the [Music] ground good referee here from abdui clash of FS between osumanu and Albert dequa hopefully the reigning MVP is okay priorities the health of these players so you have to stop play immediately don't think there's any ill will from the riverhounds defender opportunity here near the half hour mark the teams to head over the benches and have a conversation with their coaches [Music] this would be significant blow obviously to Rhode Island IFA cannot continue and slow still to get up he's holding that right eye to his feet remaining MVP ring Golden Boot winner Best 11 all last season season drew a lot of attention from Europe and MLS entering 2024 ends up settling in with Rhode Island that dip in the statistics this season part of it is a lot of growing pains with new teammates and just a situation he's gone back and forth with JJ Williams figuring out how to play alongside of each other or one being sub for the other also dealt early on with some injury issues DEA coming into this season hasn't quite hit last last year's form similar to Kiza on the other side where talked about the crossbars in the post he's hit felt like de was had a lot more dangerous moments than goals not all have been [Music] converted just looking at the bench for cono Smith Mark Doyle the like for like replacement you also have Zach aru bre to that play in in that half space so that might pop off of youan lot of options that conell Smith can dip into his bench if needed but it does seem like Albert D is getting L on back onto the field that's a good sign for Rhode Island [Music] [Music] that's kiz up the other Striker on the other side we slow to get up but back to the action USL Championship soccer continues on the ESPN networks since September with a matchup of top teams from the Eastern Conference this Detroit City FC takes on a player Shield leader Louisville City FC in a Sunday afternoon showdown at September 22nd at 3 Eastern on ESPN 2 Turnbull Wisely leaves it [Music] out corner for Peno 2 third corner for Island 20-year-old with a wicked left foot bends this one in flicked onto the back post incidentally by walty defensively Williams feeds it back through still pinballing around and it's still not cleared until it's off the face of Williams and out of play now you can breathe if you're in that supporter section behind the goal they've been dangerous the visiting side every corner kick that conos Smiths side has attempted in this first 45 minutes there's just been a bit of chaos not dealt clearly enough with f gounds don't need to step on this ball just clear your [Music] lines not talked a lot about Pittsburgh in the attacking half in this first half dictated by Rhode Island [Music] [Music] [Music] stonan Jacks he's tripped up through 34 minutes we haven't really seen either side getting in any sort of Rhythm on the ball it's been mostly Route One try to battle for the initial Challenge and then Win Second balls as well if you're cono Smith you can live with that you're on the road at a very difficult team place to play for Bob Lily need to get Bradley sample Danny Griffin your two Center midfielders more influential in terms of The Possession moving the ball from left to right and really opening up gaps through the lines for Rhode Island [Music] looking long for Williams been very direct in that manner for RO Island and it's not what we've been used to seeing from them have to think it's a message from conell Smith saying let's try to win the real estate battle as we'll see turnball going to the book [Applause] [Music] let's with how combative this game has been big test in terms of his discipline and positioning for the remainder of this match Steven [Music] Turnbull and he's been in a nice addition for this Rhode Island it's that left leg that I think that catches him and gets him in trouble catches Rivera three goals three assists from his out outside back position Griffin stepping [Music] up still looking for a first shot on target from either side despite all of their advances forward as the offside flag comes up again on Pittsburgh despite all their advances forward R doesn't actually have a shot registered in this one had a lot of traffic around Eric Dick not been able to jam one through you got to guess what the combined expected goals are Ricky no that's where you're supposed to say yes well you know might have one here fan stepping up now daa getting in position Albert daa again it's a combined 05 and the number was low defensively for Rhode Island last game they held Birmingham Legion to6 in the expected goals department so they've been stepping up recently as we talked about earlier in their defensive [Music] showings like any case especially as we go deeper into the season and get closer to the playoffs where the Kem rising to the top just a matter of can you match that defensive effort with the attacking output and and not have to sacrifice one for the other we're coming into this game Joe you and I talked about how good both of these sides have been on the defensive side of the ball really difficult to break down didn't expect it to be a very highs scoring Affair but yet you look at the talent for both of the sides in the attacking phase of the game no shortage whatsoever talk about Rhode Island JJ Williams Albert de on the other side Edward Kiza Johnson that can come on to this pitch and make a different Sterling let's goes on and on for Bob lily as well fusan looking for diwa almost got there so you do think the difference in this game is going to be one single action whether it is a mistake in the back or someone just making a play and producing a little bit of magic in around that 18 yard box four matches in action right now around usfl Championship Hartford and Indie kicked off in Hartford same time that our game did Charleston and Sacramento are nil nil 10 minutes in and the first two goals the night belong to North Carolina FC up 2-0 inside of 10 minutes at home on the Oakland Roots three more games to come later tonight Colorado Springs hosting Tampa Bay El Paso hosting Detroit city and the night ends with monay Bay hosting San [Music] Antonio another Corner Whi in dick snatches it over penot a fifth corner for Rhode Island have not been fruitful [Music] daa it's felt like a lot of those moments whether it's Williams or DEA the furthest forward where they're on an island and they're the only yellow jersey and a sea of three white jerseys around them is it surprising to you still that this late in the season those two have not clicked or again going back to our conversation from earlier is it part for the course considering that they really cut from the same cloth I think it's a combination of both I mean it goes back to what we mentioned earlier they're always they're so used to just playing as that single Striker just being that single focal point for the respective clubs but now how do you sacrifice what are you going to sacrifice that's the thing that Kor Smith needs to figure out to get the both the best out of both of them but I do think you need a number 10 underneath them penot the pocket presence that can really unlock opponents in their back line to have that clever final pass to break lines little moment just like that to combine because as Albert de and JJ Williams yes they're physically gifted in terms of winning first duels rising up and that being that aerial presence but they're also very comfortable at combining it with the ball at their feet so how do you have that support in around them is going to be really important on the back end for for Rhode Island looking for Williams again it's a lot of that they still don't have a shot in this one but it's a lot of that crowding Eric dig putting dangerous balls in just haven't been able to get on the end of one been interesting cuz they are threatening but yet like you said has not registered a shot on target but give credit to Eric Dick and again not just shot on target no shots period he's been really good through 41 minutes a goalkeeper for the river hounds decisive coming off his line especially with the traffic on coming know there's going to be a little bit of [Music] contact it's almost Troublesome or Stoneman just blasted to safety by [Music] Vegas that is a nasty Turf bur on the left shin there walti it appeared right side of your screen JJ Williams does really well just to run off The Blind Side of sub and biasi decisive for meric dick oh we see it on our closeup separate monitor oh there you go that left shin turf burn that's going to burn in the shower there's I mean forget that you're not putting that shin guard on anymore you're not pulling your sock up that is going to just be bare the rest of the [Music] match another free kick coming for Road Island and it looks like a card's going to be attached to this one for [Music] osanu JJ Williams now in quite a bit of [Music] pain just requires so much attention JJ Williams U Ball's gone and that's when he stabs and takes out JJ Williams that right leg for mosum Manu that's what gets him in trouble as he join Steven turn turn bolt as the two players in the [Music] book you can tune in to CBS Sports Network in September for a USL Championship Eastern Conference Clash strong playoff Contender Tampa Bay rowes travel North to face a Birmingham Legion FC side battling to keep above the playoff line that is Wednesday September 11th at 800 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports [Music] [Music] Network Three kicks sent in Williams tries to center it was nil nil when these teams met back in April feels like a lifetime ago these two teams might as well have been considering the way they started and the way they've been playing ever since Pittsburgh started the year 39 and six Rhode Island started the season 1 14 and n you would have told anybody back then that this is where they'd be rhod island battling for a home playoff game Pittsburgh battling at the playoff line a lot of people would have been surprised raised a few eyebrows [Music] [Music] recovered by Griffin Rivera some numbers forward for Pittsburgh Rivera back post just over the head of Kiza could not snap it down that's his off in to The Far Side [Music] here bob L you have to love the amount of numbers you get in the attacking third on that that last final action we talked about it earlier in that first half there was only Edward Kiza but as you change into a fullback system now you have jackers slotted next to him Robbie Merz arriving late and the weak side of Jackson waly all crashing towards that 18 yd box ladies and gentlemen there will be five minutes tacked out in this first half jackon looking in front for kid all of a sudden final few minutes of this first half Pittsburgh roaring to life can they steal a goal before the break Luke biosi has been really clever in the way that he just arrives in the attacking third because as he requires so much attention it's the Ala ball run from sample good idea from jackers back across but even better defending from [Music] Yao curled in back post jackon was there kept in play fed back into the traffic and cleared by Stoneman Bob Lily still might let his team a bit in the locker room at halftime for the showing in the first half but there is at least going to be a silver lining now which at the last couple of minutes something to hang their hat on if they can't find any more Merz good ball in at the back post still loose in front jackers from the ground somehow it stays out none of it mattered the offside flag came up and that initial ball in where was this for 43 minutes player that we mentioned Robbie Mur get him more influential you'll find success three players in the attacking 18 Yard Box Kiza jackers unable to put on target don't really know where the foul was in that last instance calling for offside because when Robbie Merz got on the ball not one of those players were in beyond the back line for Rhode Island [Music] train rolling by the distance as we near the end of half number one here at High Mark side MLS veter Ricky Lopez espit I'm Joe Mala happy to have had you with us so far this evening on ESPN plus Rhode Island Place coming into the night Pittsburgh in ninth separated though by just Five Points as we head into the home stretch now that Sacramento is kicked off tonight on the road against Charleston can officially say that all 24 teams in USL Championship have a single digit matches remaining they had 10 remaining coming into the night wanted to make sure there was no rain or weather issues there that would have render that statement incorrect but that game is kicked off we're good to go all 24 teams single dig digit games remaining it's six after tonight for Pittsburgh seven for Rhode Island Taqua High boot select is the official matchball supplier of the USL championship and many Elite leagues throughout Europe visit us. select dport do.com for the latest select product specials and more selects the Player's Choice [Music] [Music] [Music] Eric Dick sends us back on our way tied for the league lead with 10 clean sheets coming into tonight tied with Danny vello by the way who was the previous goalkeeper here in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago now after that Jamal waight who then went on to the jamaic national team goalkeeper Factory Pittsburgh continues to be part of that is just the defensive setup under Bob Lily always keeper friendly but save percentages way up there as well for Eric Dick near 77% Kiza took a deflection sample the last opportunity here for Rode Island if DEA can get it Forward loses it instead maybe it's a final opportunity for Pittsburgh Griffin fees It Wide jackon it his debut for Pittsburgh loan here two days ago announces himself with emphasis for your [Music] R the key coming into this game for Conor Smith was you cannot allow Danny Griffin to get on the ball the way that he receives it is everything the ability to open up his hips so that gives him the option to play near side but also to change a point of attack into the path of jackon and he just ropes this thing ball comes across his body at the last second swings his foot makes clean contact kisses the Bottom bar no chance for K vegos and the blink of an eye the river hounds Take the Lead here at home right before halftime we talked a bit about it opening 10 minutes or so how does a player like that integrate two days since coming in on loan how a spot in the starting 11 and by the way we're in a tight playoff race we need you to just parachute in and be successed ful took a little while jackon in the 51st minute gets it done 1 nil Pittsburgh and that might be it for this first half five minutes of stoppage time we're given Jack coming in un loan from roal monarchs and roal Salt Lake that organization hadn't scored yet this season in MLS X pro 11 appearances just one assist made one appearance with the first team and us open cup no goal there either had two goals last season in MLS next Pro so the coverage been pretty bare as of late for Jackson enter to the goal scoring all it took him was one half with his new side on loan and there is the whistle to end half number one it was a really quiet half overall until the final 5 to7 minutes and Pittsburgh takes a lead in the break we talked about it that this game was going to be one or loss in one mistake or a player just making a play in the attacking 18 yd box fantastic ftic run of play from Danny Griffin Bob Lily inside have the lead going into halftime so now if you're conell Smith the reaction in this next 45 is going to be top priority what that goal does as we head into halftime is it moves Pittsburgh from ninth into seventh in the live table and for now they're above the playoff line still 45 to go though here at High Mark Stadium halftime is presented by the 84 Lumber Company it was a physical first half took a little while to grow into it but things opened up late jackass gets the goal the river hounds Lead 1 n through 45 back with more in just a [Music] moment happy 811 day are you planting a tree or installing a new fence call 811 3 to 10 business days before you dig it's your ticket to avoiding an underground utility catastrophe in your neighborhood safety is in your hands every dig every time yeah yeah nice A little salt little sweet and a little scratch ah the new Big cash payout top prizes of 500 Grand you've been down this road before let's just say I'm a road hog keep [Music] this is the GMC Sierra powered by the turbo Max Engine with the confidence of 430 lb feet of best-in-class standard torque GMC Sierra it's the truck get 1.9% PR on select 2024 Sierra 1500 models or current eligible GMC owners get over 7,800 total value we are professional grade GMC tonight's match is presented by 84 Lumber [Music] saw him in the second half against Sporting Kansas City as well ball headed down and in and Pittsburgh is in front playing a man down for nearly 70 minutes the river hounds have taken the [Music] [Music] lead that must be the case because that's headed on and what a save by gangora there tremendous with the outstretched arms knocks away the header from Jackson Conway that's got to feel [Music] good each year it's I I say wow she just keeps getting better and better and you know keeps driving and working hard toward our goals yeah I mean she's an absolute competitor um she's fearless she's put the work in my name is Si pre and I play for the Pittsburgh River 2017 and I play Central [Music] Midfield is it somebody's birthday dad come watch us hit this ugly Piñata dad when hoit show up so do we Terminix it this is the beginning this is a first practice the first video session the first pregame talk this is a first ticket a first scar phase a first kickoff this is a tapestry of clubs and players and communities inspired by those who Blaze the trail for women's sports ready to inspire the Next [Applause] Generation we are are the USL Super League we're part of the movement and this is our moment pain doesn't care who you are or why you hurt but pain can be mastered if you know the way fight back with tiger bomb's legendary herbal power trusted for over a 100 years our proven blend of camper Menthol and essential oils tames pain with the strength and speed of the tiger so that you can rise above pain and get back to living this is the way of the tiger beautifully done Pino my goodness 2N for Birmingham wor takes it oh and it's in worth with a moment of brilliant [Music] W when mosquitoes show up so do we Terminix it [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] what is newsworthy and noteworthy here in USL Championship as we're into September I think that's a big one with Nick marantic going over to La Liga 2 at the conclusion of this season fantastic season for Nick Maric thus far in 2024 and he continues to continue to keep getting better an international Duty 30 players from the championship in League one will represent 21 countries in international duty this week just tells you the growth of USL and Las Vegas continues right now just to be in a position where they're not the team that they were last year doormats of the Western Conference they are very much contenders out west as we take a look around the league at the schedule du at the scores right now a lot going on there were two games that were kicked off at our same time we also had action last night as well New Mexico and Louisville just continue to Pace both conferences Louis city had a massive result against lad United who's a different lading United under R Martin this season Fenix Rising got a goal against s Tula pure domination from Diego Gomez and the rising Harford athletic tied half uh 0 at halftime against IND 11 and Sacramento Republic taking the lead in South Carolina against Charleston battery that one you have to circle on as they continue to progress that's a big one there because you look at the left side there with New Mexico and Louisville Charleston needs to win to keep Pace with Louisville Sacramento needs to win to keep Pace with New Mexico so only one will be able to accomplish that later tonight you've got three more coming your way the montere Bay San Antonio On's big out west both those teams have underachieved below the playoff line but still within Striking Distance it's almost an elimination game there's still too much time to actually call it that mathematically but it feels like who loses that game and might as well start looking at 2025 it's going to be a tactical match up as well monre Bay a little bit more transitional San Antonio want to be 1 V one combative in terms of their duels so who's going to impose their identity El possible host Detroit city and Danny Deo and then the switchbacks welcome the Tampa Bay roues that's all coming up later on tonight before those games begin our game will end the Pittsburgh River hounds and Rhode Island FC it's 1 nil Pittsburgh through the first 45 halftime brought to you by the 84 Lumber Company day becomes night first half becomes second half more coming your way from High Mark stadium in just a [Music] moment at Ahn good Heart Care starts before you're just not feeling right before you say it'll go away on its own before it doesn't because before an emergency there's time to stop heart problems with a simple preventative heart check at Ahn we see [Music] you we're not the universe's window company we're not the world's window company and we're not the nation's window company Thermo TN is Pittsburgh's window company Pittsburgh is our home check in with tho twin we are employe own check in ther twin check in now and get 25% off in 36-month interest free financing check in with ther twin this is the GMC Sierra powered by the turbo Max Engine with the confidence of 430 lb feet of best-in-class standard torque GMC Sierra it's the truck get 1.9% APR on select 2024 Sierra 1500 models four current eligible GMC owners get over 7,800 total value we are professional grade GMC [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] players starting to make their way back out onto the field as we're set to begin half Number Two River hounds got that goal right at the death of that first half take a look at highlights from half number one brought to you by Corona rookie it was about have 42 and a half minutes of not a lot either way chances were limited for both sides before the goal finally came do thing that con Smith the way that you started this first half probably the happier of the two managers but like we've mentioned throughout this Rhode Island side it's been that final action that's been been lacking for for Rhode Island going back the other way the river hounds do think runs out of Midfield were really crucial to their success Parson has a right idea better defending from Marky bar but as they turn this ball over just watch the way that Danny Griffin how quickly he turns his defense into offense and the way that he receives the ball has the ball into the run to Robbie Merz but also change your point of attack into the path of jackon there's information on this ball from Danny Griffin this will give us the best look at it as you play in front of him now he needs to hit it first time no chance for go Vegas to Blink you an eye the river hounds Take the Lead here moments before half time Jack Ison again in his debut for the river hounds came on loan two days ago immediately making himself a fan favorite here at haark Stadium did not take long see lot of zeros there for Rhode Island but does it tell the whole story it felt like they were threatening for a lot of that half even though they didn't register anything goward but is mostly hopeful balls into the 18 Yard Box Eric Dick you have to give credit to him because he's been really good at understanding the flight one to step off his line but for conell Smith I will not be surprised if we see him maybe dip into his bench to provide a different terms of the profile but also a sparking quality going up into the attacking phase of the game and for Bly how compact can you be cuz you know Rhode Island is going to play direct so how do you win the initial challenge and second balls are going to be key you wonder if any changes are made as well on the r Island side you talked about it in the first half that it just hasn't seem like JJ Williams and Albert DEA were clicking tonight and JJ Williams gets the start again after it had mainly been Mark Doyle over the last few games so you wonder if there is a change in the offing at some point in this second half when it comes to what up top for RO island or if those two just find a magic moment we know they're capable of doing that too at a moment's notice just turning it on and producing something [Music] special jackon all smiles as he chats it up with the referee I think you would be too if you were able to debut like that for a club in a playoff race 16th overall pick in last year's MLS draft could be exactly what Pittsburgh needed because all year long been waiting for somebody to step up along side Edward Kiza there's been nobody to just snatch that role Danel Johnson a couple of times has looked dangerous Pap Carden same thing we've had Griffin stepping up into of the Midfield supplying a few goals but nothing really consistent alongside set to begin half number two Pittsburgh left to right in the white r Island right to left in the Amber with RI Lopez Espin I'm Joe Mala happy to have you with us this evening it's 1 nil River hounds through 45 coming into the night only five points separated these teams in the standings in the live table that separation is now just two Pittsburgh begins this second half in seventh place above the playoff line after starting the night below that line in ninth very big 45 minutes coming up [Music] [Music] [Music] do think that Trio in the middle part of the field for conno Smith needs to be a little bit bit more influential just getting on the ball a little bit more dictating Tempo being possession base orientated ranky bar Klay holstead not really impactful whatsoever and yotu as well you want him to stay centrally just to occupy Danny Griffin and result of that now you can have that third man running and unbalance his back line from the river hounds [Music] stumble over the ball there from Turnbull whole stad can they go the other way quickly Pittsburgh jackass still has it Griffin stepping up now it's sample fed through Griffin wants it back it's fed his way Griffin flicks it on and it's saved Pittsburgh picking up where they left off in the first half give credit to Jackson to keep this thing alive but quickly going back to other way from Danny Griffin Bradley sample you need to play this ball into the path of Robbie merch but he does quite well to send Steven turn bolt off to the end line really difficult technique to get enough power from Danny Griffin as he tries to wrap it around his standing foot easy save in the end from G vegos [Music] [Music] for Jackson that goalie scored was his first since a brace last June with ra monarchs MLS next Pro quite the drought probably feeling at home here in Pittsburgh again spent three years with pit Panthers collegiately in the ACC 19 goals 23 assists it his 50 starts three time all ACC onor [Music] [Music] eight Williams down again behind the play a couple of those instances tonight where just been uncomfortable oh holding out that left leg on the knee a couple of steps he takes going right back down to grabbing it keep an eye on that not look [Music] comfortable two goals to go with five assists this season for JJ Williams missed all of March and April injured had to work his way back in and got a couple of other knocks along the way 18 appearances 12 starts not the norm for a player who's been synonymous with the goal leaders in USL Championship the last couple of years back-to-back Seasons with 12 goals on the nose in 22 and 23 look Don again and it rainbows in nothing int 10 from Bradley sample but it counts all the same caught Vegas by surprise all he could do is look on wonder what went wrong Pittsburgh leads [Music] 2N just comes out of nothing jaon does really well to keep the ball alive but as an attacking midfielder Joe everything when you pick and choose to get yourself into an advantageous situation not the best ball end but just doing enough Riley sample is put it on target you give yourself a chance catches kok Vegas about a yard or two off his line dream start to this second half for the riverhounds as they double their lead moments after coming out of the break I think the reaction from sample said it all the way he glanced it the way he looked back seemed like he was trying to feed it to the runners on the back side and Vos cheated toward those Runners he stepped up in that area where he could have maybe grabbed it if it were more of a pass instead it's on goal and in the goal and for Bradley sample he has his first goal as a professional with the Pittsburgh River hounds not how he probably imagined it or drew it up but it counts all the same and it's River hounds 2 Rhode Island nil those are the ones now once Monday morning comes around your watching Phil with Bob Lily say I meant that I saw c v us off his line really clever from Bradley sample but he'll take it same as riverhounds a massive three points up to grab now they double their lead get him in an honest moment though and I don't I don't think it's the same [Laughter] story but it's a story he's got to stick to it now he's got to tell that story decades from now as if it were Robin van Persy's diving header from the top of the box in the world cup got to sell it got to sell it Conor Smith side now what do a reaction look like for for Rhode Island talked about them really having ability to get in any rhythm especially that double pivot of Viara and holstead then Y2 as well not be surprised if we see maybe Mark Doyle come on for JJ Williams he put into a central location here's MZ Robbie Ms weaving through jackers Aron jackers keeps it alive walty Merz able to settle nothing more for now giving it away as the back rescued In The End by Pittsburgh now biasi on the Run free kick coming for Pittsburgh K Vegas has been known to be adventurous and have some moments like that especially in big moments you think back to a playoff game against the Oakland Roots a couple years ago had a missc out of the back that turned into a rolling goal adventurous off his line sometimes the adventures don't pay off but that's also what makes him special at times similar to Danny vitiello with Sacramento where he's adventurous and he's one of the top goalkeepers in the league but sometimes it comes back to bite you just going back to that second goal for Pittsburgh got caught cheating and again you and I think are in agreement that that's probably not what sample meant to do but his mistake turned into a goal because of AAS cheating now threatening for more think it SS for him being extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet as well right because the way that the game of soccer football has progressed now the goalkeeper it's always an outlet to change your point of attack other player on the field to play through so just by tendency Keepers that are very comfortable with the ball at their feet they like to bust up a little bit higher nice little move there Jackson [Music] walty panou comes away with it panou still and it's brought back for that foul as DEA was cleared out and a yellow card comes out as well that's fantastic referee I'm do M cuz as this play is progressing albera just peels off and tries to make a run down to a central location Luke biosi knows he's beat and the only thing that he can do is drag down albera lets to go to see if there's any advantage none whatsoever bring it back and you give the riverhounds defender yellow [Music] [Music] card Turnbull [Music] usan just a down for daqua [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] pburg look a difference side in this second half really since the last few minutes of that first half it's a continuation of it now into the second half kept it up the intensity the consistency now up 2-n I don't know if it's something that con Smith is trying to implement here but every single time the ball goes wide just notice a movement of penot he peels out towards the strong side and that leaves a massive Gap and a massive disconnect between ala and JJ Williams there's no one to be that connector and to play through do think that is why Rhode Island is having a very difficult time finding the two forwards for conno Smith Zack hero is getting ready to check in it appears for Rhode Island all it'll be hero for Mary bar when the change comes here's jackass nice touch initially got him away from stonan [Music] [Music] change will happen now in iara off we talked a lot about daqua being a former riverhound making his return same could be set for iara night for [Music] well it's a different Dynamic for Conor Smith in the central part of the field holstead and hervo very similar in terms of the ability to join the attack but also they dropped in bit in and do that single pivot roll so what does the balance look like for the remainder of this game that's going to be crucial to their success they have any hopes of calling back islanding number 23 I stepping up Stoneman rhod Island very capable of flipping a switch striking quickly offensively this though is not a position they've been in for a little while you have to go back to July 13th against Miami see the last time they gave up two goals in a match BR they were already up 3-0 in that game before they gave up those two goals but ever since July 13th almost two full months ago they have not allowed more than one in a single match last time they faced a deficit like this was the match prior on July 5th the week before at 3-2 over Miami they were down 2-0 against in the 11 they did come back and tied that one 33 in the end 2-n down to 2-2 they were down 3-2 and it was Isaac and King in the 95th minute for The Equalizer so they've not been in this position for a while but they've shown this year they're capable of battling back good turn DEA continues to run feeds it inside for fusan and somehow gets through to penot to [Applause] nearly ja get Chase made life difficult for Dugen fantastic work from Albert deot not taking a lot of the ball so he drops in a line deeper fantastic turn with the outside of his right boot and then has the ability to combine with the players around him Tuan sneaks it through toward DEA Shield it off and dick has it but again Joe it's those types of moments as know fusan has the B on this left hand side Jack penot he needs to come over and he needs to supply some support he's just hanging on on that weak side so there's just no option to play into so that affords now the Rhode Island players they need to go 1 V one and try to play this ball into a really tight window for an oncoming Albert DEA type of run but as that number 10 you have to provide support you have to go where the ball goes so you can always be that bounce pass to combine with two changes coming for the river hounds River lanks and black stock will replace stny Rivera Emanuel Johnson War Place Bron jackers who leaves as a fan favorite already and his debut for Pittsburgh two days after joining on loan scores that thunderous skull off the crossbar and in at the stroke of halftime helps create the play then that led to goal number two had the hockey assist if you will here in Penguins country and it's two-nil Pittsburgh as a result so he already left his Mark and this is where Ricky we see players like that join teams the roster freeze midnight on the 9th of September we see a lot of movement between now and then we've already seen some movement in the past week how many times have we seen in this league before the roster freeze you get a guy who goes on and plays a key part in lifting the trophy we're getting close to that trophy in this league maybe that's the case for jackon you just look at the stats for it's pitp riverhound side Edward kza seven goals one assist on the season there's a little bit of a drop off now it's Danny Griffin your second leading goal score with four goals get Jackson complimenting kiz now you have two weapons at your disposal if you're Bob lily as you continue to push into the playoff picture does seem like the real deal the young men that they acquired move that turned some heads was Ben Bender from Charlotte FC and MLS to the Tampa Bay roues for the rest of the season former number one overall pick has been good with Charlotte but injuries or rather one specific injury had a knee issue that required surgery at the end of last season it spilt into this year and by the time he was able to get going Charlotte had sort of left him behind as rooll had been replaced still a very young player only a couple of years into his pro career no sense in riding the bench the rest of the way for Charlotte slot in immediately as a key starter for Tampa Bay and Rafael Baka going from Monterey Bay to Oakland Oakland losing right now to North Carolina but Baka was really the missing piece talk about the midfield for Oakland keep your eye on some more of those in the coming days I'm sure there will be a few always are at this time of year [Music] it is four nothing North Carolina by the way over Oakland at the moment that has turned into a thumping it's not what you want to see if you're any of these teams in the Eastern Conference when you get to this point of the year in those cross conference matchups you're always rooting for the other conference no matter what both these teams were very much Oakland Roots fans tonight get an extra three points in the Western Conference playoff race keep it out of the East especially for North Carolina who are right up against that line at the moment two points in the live table behind Pittsburgh Pittsburgh occupying seventh spot right now have the tiebreaker on Birmingham but Birmingham two games at hand we're going to have a lot of flips and flops the rest of the way Detroit city in fourth on 38 Pittsburgh in eighth on 35 three points separate fourth and eighth now it's turn bolt looking for DEA but it's over his head you want to try to make sense of the standings I've stopped trying yeah I've stopped a long time ago as well how tight it is both conferences Fe neutral exactly what you want season coming down great run John [Music] S Griffin had a shield off the referee and Peno 2 did so adequately until the second effort from Peno 2 Danny Griffin and Robbie Merz just have this understanding for Bob willly centrally the space that they pick up understanding that the support that they play as well here is merch feeding it through for kab both comfortable with the ball at their feet with making runs into deep positions quite the dynamic duo over the years for Bob Lily [Music] when will that next change come for Rhode Island can they spark something offensively still don't have a shot in this one again they've threatened there's no denying that had some dangerous crosses in traffic around Eric dick they've had five corners but still no shots not just shots on target no shots tell what stepen Turnbull needs to be really careful as well already on a yellow card giving our Center referee an earful especially in this second half [Music] [Music] okay Vegas there's nowhere to go looking Every Which Way finally feeds it out wide at Stoneman ya [Music] really hasn't been any of the areas that concern Kos Smith that have cost R Island tonight he's concerned about Kiza running in behind he's concerned about Danny Griffin really pulling the strings in a way that's how maybe some dangerous moments have happened in this one for Pittsburgh really it's just that one moment where jackon put it off the bar and in and then that awkward second goal where Vegas was off his line and SLE somehow found a way in walti clears fuson barreling in Death By A Thousand Cuts tonight for Island Fiesta while p2s it back for holstead nice move and holstead it's deflected was very nice bit of play at the edge of the area for Rhode Island wonder where it would have ended up if not for the block exactly what your where you want your Midfield Tri to operate in in between lines in tight spaces cuz they have the quality to do it vas off his line Kiza picks his head up scampered back Vegas couldn't try from an instance there K up there's the feated inside though for Merz he stops his run he pulled up instead expecting the pass maybe closer to the Penalty spot and he kept going it might be [Music] 3-0 that'll be it for JJ Williams Gabby Alves will take his spot subti for Island have to think that Alvis was playing this left wing back roll youan will play centrally underneath JJ Williams [Applause] now you afford the ex Columbus Crew 2 man going search the game and see a little bit more of the ball and hopes that he can make an impact your approach the last 22 plus year and to no surprise it's JJ Williams or DEA one or the other in this case Williams coming off to just leave the other one to roam freely as the lone nine what you talked about in the first half that's where they're both most comfortable they're both less comfortable in a tandem so now with 21 to play it is Dea operating as the lone [Music] [Music] nine black stck looking for Johnson and the offside flag came up with that ball into [Music] Blackstock e [Music] Pittsburgh really locking Rhode Island in their own half here possession wise Rhode Island's up near 60% but rooky how much of it has even been across the halfway line I can't remember any spell aside from a moment ago when they had that give and go edge of the area and the shot got blocked none of it has been in this territory just been a really difficult evening for Conor Smith's side to get the confidence higher up the field to break through the initial pressure every single time you know when come into High Mark Stadium against to Bob LLY Coach riverhound side they're going to be organizing their defensive structure they're going to be difficult to break down so the ball needs to move extremely quick you need to be clean in your technical ability and decisive in the decisions that you make it's been a bit sloppy on the visiting side through 71 minutes here I do think now a little bit of a tactical change hean come centrally he fors you a pocket presence and hopes at that man the reigning MVP will become more of a focal point and see more of the ball both these teams go on the road a week from tonight against the 2021 USL final it's Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay it's Rhode Island at Orange County could be in danger of the last three title winners in USL all missing the playoffs this year by the way talking about parody and the league overturning year-over-year New teams emerging on top 2023 is title winner Phoenix Rising are in a tight playoff battle right now by no means safe in any way at the playoff line in the West San Antonio the 2022 winners well below the line Five Points of drift coming into the night could be a deao elimination game tonight against Monterey Bay still time left but whoever loses that the moralization sets in and 2021 title winners Orange County right there at the playoff line with those teams in the west giving away here merch picks it up Johnson on the turn Manel Johnson plays it off Ker [Applause] 5,619 in attendance here at High Mark Stadium not counting the train conductor in the background and they're happy so far 2-0 to Pittsburgh just over a quarter of an hour remaining Ricky Lopez Espin I'm Joe MAA happy to have had you with us this evening on ESPN plus River hounds started the night in ninth now above the playoff line as it stands [Applause] [Music] two changes coming for Rhode Island Turnbull and Stoneman are about to give way [Music] Mark Doyle and Frank D Dar entering [Music] [Music] card comes out yellow card against the river hounds number two Danny Griffin Danny Griffin one who picks up the yellow here those changes now for Rhode Island the DAR and Doyle in for Stoneman Turnbull com out that'll be all only four Subs used tonight but all three windows are now gone Grant Frank back to that conversation about the last three title winners potentially all missing the playoffs means we could get some new blood or the Old Guard I'll get there in a second you got those three as the last winners Phoenix San Antonio Orange County no title game in 2020 Ro monarchs Departed they won in 2019 and the back toback for Louisville in 2017 and 2018 you go further back continuing on the last decade New York Red Bulls 2 had a title Rochester Rhinos H Bob Lily had a title and Sacramento Republic in 2014 so in the last decade if those three teams all finished below the playoff line in the Western Conference have Sacramento who won it in 2014 Louisville who won it in 177 and 18 that's it for the last decade otherwise it could be somebody new putting a star above the crest so there'd be some new blood holding the trophy in USL if it's not Louisville or Sacramento that again conventional wisdom probably tells you it's it's maybe that matchup in the final Sacramento against Louisville they played the game of the year here in 2024 just a few weeks back when they met in Louisville Lou city won that at to death match that really had it all that night [Music] two changes for the river HS here K replaces Bradley sample scor a second goal made it two that'll be all for Edward Kiza did not have too many dangerous moments up top tonight at least not what we've been used to seeing it as of late with the seven goals on the season most of those coming in the last month he'll be replaced by canardo Forbes [Music] [Music] [Music] oh time wearing thin for o Island to try and find something still don't have a registered shot in this [Music] match usan looking for it bundles out for a goal kicks fans tun in next September as Bob lilf shifted into a back five now biasi Mumu Kay sub and black St across the back so you have Danny Griffin Jackson walty front of them will be Robbie MZ kardo Forbes and Johnson Bob Lily making some tactical subs and hopes to see this game out and be difficult to break through [Music] [Music] Ms asking for a foul to be called the ball's still in he's being held to the ground now Ms and he's the one who ends up getting called for it temper flaring here Merz gets up in the face of Yao those two going at it more join [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] we coming together Robbie Ms Alves it's that kick out right here little bit of an y through the head of Robbie BS not take kindly to it cards both sides the Pittsburgh yellow card is on number 14 Robbie Merz Robbie merch picked up a yellow unsurprisingly and that exchange and the Rhode Island yellow card is on number 24 k k Yao on the other side for Rhode Island could have taken your pick of a few guys in that scuffle but the two who instigated it most appropriately so picking up a each 10 minutes to play temperatures down in the low 50s here tonight in Pittsburgh starting to feel like fall which is officially a couple of weeks away the temperature gets cooler the playoff races heat up here in the Northeast rhod Island doesn't want to go home home empty-handed but it's looking more and more like they will 80 minutes come and gone no shots registered Pittsburgh five shots three on target the pair of goals it was technically technically two goals in the 50th minute but not quite it was jackass in the 50th minute of the first half 45 plus 5 and then it was early sample in the 50th minute proper in the second half so they kind of scored two goals in the minute but one first half one second half and that's the riverhounds two-nil [Music] [Applause] [Music] lead if this is how it's going to be tonight it's still time for Rhode Island and mention the last time they faced a 2-n deficit was against in the 11 they battled back and ended up in a 3-3 tie so they're still timeing enough but if this is how it ends up tonight a lot of soul searching to do on the way back you're going to start getting your toughest test now against playoff caliber teams and K Smith's not shying away from that conversation we asked him about this successful run they've been on since the end of June as we' talked about only one loss in that span seven wins four draws one loss when asked about that stretch of play it's nice but it doesn't mean anything it doesn't mean anything yet until they finish it off until they make the playoffs and maybe do something in the playoffs he said you can start a night in fourth place in this league and finish a night in ninth so he's very well aware that it's a what have you done for me lately sort of ordeal right now and lately being tonight has not been the finest moment for Rhode Island get the sense when we every time we speak with conell Smith he does not allow his players to Geto placing in any shape or form whether it is the results or even their individual performances I mean look at JJ Williams right a player that had so much success that has had so much success in usone Championship has scored goals at every stop of his career and talking with you off air Joe it's not a matter of if it's a matter of when he starts to find the back L net but as of late hasn't been really producing so Conor Smith has no problem dipping into his bench making bringing him off the bench mark do gets a start a moments like that that k I do think has the the pulse of the locker room and tonight it's again the other way around JJ Williams gets a start ineffective Doyle comes off the bench and you wonder if it flip-flops back the other way next match when they go out west to take on Orange County [Music] 1-1 between Charleston and Sacramento I'll give you three guesses who scored for Charleston Ricky Nick Maran Nick Maran and Nick marcan yeah in some cases that's actually how it's been where there's three goals in a game and all three are him but only one so far tonight 11-1 in the 60th minute he ties the record 25 it's interesting as this league continues to grow and improve and the Talent level rises how some of the records have fallen and will continue to fall we haven't seen a season like we've seen from Maran and you go to the historic years of of Barry and Cameron Lancaster this one has just felt even more different even last year Albert dequa the 20 he had for the Pittsburgh River hounds it just felt different than Maran again he's at 25 it feels like he could be at 40 the way he's he's gone this season [Applause] I think we see him end up around 30 31 for the remainder of this season Charleston batter side flying six games remaining after tonight he's got 25 goals through 28 games this season it's about a goal a game so 30 is well within reach just the efficiency that he's been able to do it with different types of goals that he can score [Music] [Applause] two teams most intently watching that game right now are New Mexico and Louisville because New Mexico and Louisville both played and won last night so if that finishes as a draw Sacramento will be nine points back with the game in Hand of New Mexico so even with a win do the mat there still six points back with eight games to play on the other side Charleston would then be five back of Louisville but remember it's Louisville with two games in hand on Charleston so it's really quite the Gap at the top of the Eastern Conference Louisville yesterday did become the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot and Miami became the first team to officially be eliminated I think we could have chalked both of those outcomes up about a month ago but official yesterday Louisville continues its pursuit of a lot of Records that are within reach the wins Total the home wins Total the goals total the home goals total the points per game total the points total I think I'm leaving any out if I am apologies that there's a lot of records that they're chasing right now talking about moranic and the goals record this Louisville team could be chasing history in many ways that's interesting because coming into the night this Rhode Island team only had one more loss in Louisville but in very different spots in the standings because Louisville has two ties R island has 13 ties been a tough team to beat Rhode Island Pittsburgh is just a few minutes plus stoppage time away from doing [Applause] [Music] that here's Merz on the giveaway they find the cherry on stop Griffin no all it takes is one for Rhode Island to put the pressure on Pittsburgh going into stoppage time is this the moment it's laid off to fusan he settles deflected got the live by n Dar and now cleared all about balance now for Bob blly side yes you're up 2 nil you never want to get complacent and want to go for that third you cannot overextend yourself and leave yourself vulnerable going back the other way just a bit of a glimpse of how transitional Rhode Island can be and how lethal it can be with play Hol dead center part of the field but that's a microcosm of the evening for for Rhode Island just not on the same page between Alvis and fuson [Music] [Music] Ro Island in this game have the 6040 possession Advantage we talked about the territories final third entries and touches in the opposing 18 Yard Box those are the two categories that really tell more of the story so despite Rhode Island 6040 possession Advantage Pittsburgh has an extra 20 final third entries at 7555 they have an extra 17 touches in the opposing 18 yd box 27 for Pittsburgh 10 for Rhode Island so that's why possession we always talk about it it's misleading some teams don't care at all about it it's a matter of what you do with it and tonight the word you use earlier was efficiency Pittsburgh has been very efficient tonight with their opportunities 90th minute at High Mark fourth largest crowd ever at this stadium fuson in front and he puts it behind Alves you used the word before microcosm in the evening that maybe sums it up even better a threatening moment for o Island and they don't even get a shot off it's 90 minutes and they still don't have a shot that was begging to be tapped in and they won't even get a shot on the stat but you just see this success now for Rhode Island you some play centrally and he just gives you a different Dynamic out of Midfield ability to be players with the ball at his feet but also to make those runs that really test opponents in their back line as he continues his run nice little link of play between him Klay holstead Alves just overc commits himself here's Merz Johnson wants it back fed that way from Ms fed across goal cleared by n Dar late arriving run from Forbes minutes five minutes tacked on [Music] [Music] here's Griffin nobody stepping to him gives it away wanted to get it out wide and maybe the end of the corner [Music] [Music] P2 very quiet tonight his return on loan from New England very effective in the five games he played for May and the June with his first lone spell not much doing tonight just think he lacked a little bit of discipline in his positioning I kept mentioning it fusan TI toes the line ball stays in well one by Pittsburgh well through the first half for Jack penot too many times he would just peel out wide to try to search the game but as an attacking midfielder their first responsibility is to supply your front too really difficult to do that when you're far away from the goal and disconnected between JJ Williams and Albert DEA over the last 10 to 15 minutes no fan has just changed the complexion of the way that Rhode Island attacks now because he's always going to give you that supply and that support to bounce it off of him to beat you through combination play as well be a frustrating film session for this Rhode Island side once they get back in on Monday dat and try to review this game they won't spend much time reviewing their shots still at zero halfway through stoppage [Music] [Music] time just look at that Center three right now all about 10 yards apart from each other it's been that being yes it's difficult to play high Mark it's a bit tighter M move moves extremely quick but to make the field as big as you possibly can and yet again jack penu towards a touch line [Music] here ya runs right into biasi a really strong night tonight Luke biasi he been a fixture on the back line all season long on a night where they were missing couple of guys back there Hogan serving the red card suspension at to with Congo the national team and really black stock he's come on but came on late so really you're missing three starters in a given day on that backline biasi stepped up and F in a lot of the gaps this might be the easiest clean sheet of the season for Eric dick has it faced a shot that's why clean sheets are very much a team [Music] stat Pittsburgh on the way to three points final minute if they find one now Rhode Island it's going to be too little too late it'll just be their second loss since mid June Pittsburgh will be unbeaten in their last 10 matches five wins five draws in that span they started the night in ninth they don't have the games in hand Advantage they played two more games and both teams below them right now Birmingham and Lowden but for the time being they are in seventh back above that playoff line Bob Lily teams always seem to find a way at the wash from the referee he's on Forbes won't get there ahead of Vegas it won't matter there's the final whistle the Pittsburgh River Hounds unbeat in 10 0 and five they win it 2-0 over Rhode Island fantastic result for Bob will side efficient one they needed to be fantastic defending in terms of their box defending their positioning their coverage everything to get a clean sheet against to very talented Rhode Island side we talked about this game being one or lost in one simple play a player making a play play more times often than not it was the river hounds players making that play it was a milestone night for the river hounds their 200th home match at High Mark in all competitions and they punctuate it with a victory in front of the fourth largest crowd at High Mark stadium and the man of the hour the man of the match presented by Melo the man who got here two days ago on loan from Royal Salt Lake Ron jackon first half makes it 1 nil at the stroke of the halftime whistle such a difficult technique the way that he takes this goal as this ball comes across his body he just simply steps into it he does not need to hit it hard he just needs to hit it clean let momentum do it sing he just roofs it no chance for kok Vegas deserving man of the match Jackson oh the save of the game the smooth save of the game is brought to you by our friends at Smoothie King here's the thing there wasn't a save in this game so we're just going to Spotlight Eric Dick for his League leading 11th clean she of the Season didn't have to make a save tonight but the save of the game if there was one it was brought to you by Smoothie King a testament to the defensive efforts overall of Pittsburgh I thought he was really good at just reading the Flight of the ball Time After Time stepping off his line and Eric Dick clean sheet for him clean sheet for the backline for the river hounds we'll come back in just a moment to wrap things up from High Mark Stadium a massive win for the river Hound only the second loss since mid June for Rhode Island it will be a long trip home for them tonight back in a moment from [Music] himar oh oh wo wo yeah yeah [Laughter] W nice A little salt little sweet and a little scratch ah the new Big cash payout top prizes of 500 Grand you've been down this road before let's just say I'm a road hog keep at Ahn good Heart Care starts before you're just not feeling right before you say it'll go away on its own before it doesn't because before an emergency there's time to stop heart problems with a simple preventative heart check at Ahn we see [Music] you Ireland Contracting is Pittsburgh's most trusted and recommended roofer if there's a leak in the roof of your home or business we'll find it and fix it with Superior workmanship quality products and specialized Crews for guaranteed satisfaction our attention to detail and competitive pricing have customers recommending us again and again never worry about your root Ireland Contracting Pittsburgh's most trusted and recommended roofer victory for the river H all huddled around Bob Lily celebrating tonight's Victory take a look at the full-time highlights brought to you by Corona there wasn't really much to speak of early in the first half of this one but late in the first half is when Pittsburgh was able to get the goal to go ahead at one n starts with Danny Griffin the ball the way that he receives this ball now he has two options to play Robbie mer that makes a fantastic run in or just change a point of attack into jackers talking a little bit too narrow in front of him so he needs to hit it first time but he just ropes this thing into that top of the goal no chance for K Vegas they scored 45 + 5 which equals 50 and then they scored in the 50th in the second half to make it 2N as this ball circulates back around drason is at to think of everything but as a midfielder Joe when you pick and choose your time to get yourself into an advantage situation good ball in from Rivera don't know if he means it but he'll take it sample up and over K Vegas who gets caught cheating off his line about a yard or two a little bit too high two goals for the river hounds three points that stay here at High Mark River hounds go on the road to Tampa Bay next and Rhode Island will go out west to take on Orange County a big win tonight for the river hounds these teams were five points apart in the standings to begin the night with Rhode Island in fifth Pittsburgh in ninth they end just two points apart both above the playoff line so the crew that makes this possible broadcast partner Ricky Lopez has been I am Joe MAA saying Soo for Pittsburgh Where the River hounds Tak it 2N over Rhode Island good night [Music] everybody this copyrighted telecast of the United Soccer League Championship cannot be retransmitted rebroadcast or reproduced without the expressed written consent of the United Soccer League Championship 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