The Pittsburgh Riverhounds kicked off their first home stand of the 2025 season against Hartford Athletic. Home at last!!! after the first two contests were on the road. The match started off with a Pre-game ceremony for the recently retired Kenardo Forbes. Hartford lost its season opener against new expansion team Lexington SC, and were winners 3-0 Tuesday against New York Shockers in Round 1 of the U.S. open cup.
The first half started uneventful. Riverhounds dominated possession 67% to Hartford’s 33% but failed to score. Same old song and dance for the Riverhounds thus far this season. Both teams were scoreless at halftime. The second half began much like the first, however Danny Griffin broke the scoreless tie with a header at the 74:59 on a setup from Junior Etou.
The Riverhounds were able to hold on to get the 1-0 victory. In the post game press conference Coach Bob Lilley felt his team was better better in 2nd half as Hartford is extremely hard to break down, and so explosive going the other way. Coach Lilley pointed out that in the 2nd half their chances were a result of mistakes by us but we were able to persevere and this win gives us a lot to build on moving forward. The Riverhounds play host to Birmingham Legion Fc next Saturday night the 29th at 7pm.