The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have finally gotten their first win under new head coach Dave Brandt. Breaking a four-game losing streak, the Riverhounds defeated FC Montreal 2-1 on Saturday night. The match, which was held at Highmark Stadium, got a quick start from FC Montreal, who tried an attack early on. However, Mauricio Vargas, who was in goal this week, replacing Hunter Gilstrap who was in goal last week against the Richmond Kickers, had his first save of the match. Vargas would finish the ... Read More
Riverhounds fall to Richmond Kickers, 3-1
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds woes continue with their 3-1 loss to Richmond Saturday. After having one of their best matches of the season last week against the Charleston Battery, the Riverhounds had plenty of mistakes to reduce their record to 1-3-7. The Riverhounds troubles started in the 17’ minute, when the Kickers’ Yudai Imura took a shot, which deflected off Conor Branson’s chest and went past goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap, who started over Mauricio Vargas. Branson, who started at ... Read More
Rob Vincent excited to be back with Riverhounds for one-game loan
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds got some much needed help with some veteran presence in Friday morning’s practice: Rob Vincent. Vincent, who was with the Riverhounds from 2013-15, is back in Pittsburgh on loan for one game. The Liverpool, England-born player, who is now signed with D.C. United, said he was eager to come back to the Riverhounds to get more minutes under his belt. “I’m really enjoying (my time at D.C. United),” Vincent said. “It’s always been my dream to play in the MLS. I’m just ... Read More
Riverhounds fall to Red Bulls II in Brandt’s debut
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds match against the New York Red Bulls II wasn’t just another match for the Riverhounds. It was the match that introduced head coach Dave Brandt to professional soccer. Brandt, who has only coached at the collegiate level, made his head coaching debut for the Riverhounds against the Red Bulls II last night. In Brandt’s debut, the Riverhounds weren’t able to claim victory and fell to the Red Bulls II, 1-0. Junior Flemmings had the match’s only goal for the Red Bulls ... Read More
Mauricio Vargas named to the USL Team of the Week
It’s been quite the week for Mauricio Vargas. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds goalkeeper made his first professional start in the USL for the Riverhounds against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Although the team lost 1-0, Vargas had a stellar match, saving eight out of nine shots. Only Jimmy McLaughlin’s shot in the 27’ minute was able to make it past Vargas. Vargas’ eight saves were the most by a Riverhounds goalkeeper this season, and the most by a Riverhounds goalkeeper in the past three seasons. ... Read More
Riverhounds fall to FC Cincinnati
Even with a change at goalkeeper, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds could not find their first win of the season against FC Cincinnati. In the first meeting between the two USL teams, Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens elected to start Mauricio Vargas, the Costa Rican international, in goal over Hunter Gilstrap. Gilstrap dressed, but was on the bench for the entire match, as Vargas earned his first ever appearance and start for the Riverhounds. Vargas had a strong match, despite letting a goal ... Read More
Riverhounds drop fiery match to Red Bulls II
Normally after a match, Pittsburgh Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens is lively and smiling before he reaches the post-game podium. However, after the Riverhounds 3-1 loss against the New York Red Bulls II, Steffens was solemn and quiet. The reason? Romeo Parkes’ red card and his actions afterwards. In the 86’ minute, Parkes endured in some pushing and shoving with Karl Ouimette. Both players received a red card for their actions. On the way off the pitch, Parkes kicked Ouimette in the ... Read More
Riverhounds set to begin new season with high expectations and uncertainty
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds begin their season tonight, and with it comes a new roster, some familiar faces, but higher expectations. The offseason saw key players like Rob Vincent and Ryan Thompson play for their new respective teams. Calle Brown, who filled in during Thompson's absence last season, signed with the Houston Dynamo. The Hounds overhauled their goaltending depth adding Hunter Gilstrap, Mauricio Vargas and local native Brenden Alfery. Pittsburgh also signed two ex-MLS players ... Read More
Riverhounds playoff run cut short in extra time
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (11-9-8) went on the road in the first round of the playoffs to visit the New York Red Bulls II (12-10-6). Pittsburgh was able to score early before going into extra time. There, they held a quick lead, however, New York battled back and finished the game with a multi-goal lead, 4-2. The Hounds struck early in just the first 15 minutes when captain Danny Earls booted a masterpiece to defender Willie Hunt. The perfectly placed ball was headed in past the Red Bulls II ... Read More
Riverhounds win Keystone Derby Cup, qualify for playoffs
Keystone Derby Cup coming to Pittsburgh? Check. Playoffs? Check. Tonight the Riverhounds knew what was at stake and handled business in Harrisburg as they played their Keystone Derby rival, the Islanders. The Hounds took care of business early as they scored two goals which was all that was needed in a final score of 2-1. Pittsburgh’s defense played very well against its same state rival, and stopped the Harrisburg City Islanders from spoiling one of the better seasons in the Hounds’ ... Read More