Riverhounds seek first win at home opener match

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are looking for their first win as they prepare for their home opener against Hartford. The team has had a mixed start to the season. Two weeks ago, they managed a 1-1 tie against North Carolina, thanks to a second-half goal from Augi Williams. However, they lost 2-0 to San Antonio last Saturday, which left them feeling disappointed. Coach Bob Lilley is hopeful that playing at home will boost the team's performance. He viewed the initial results as solid, especially given that three rookies had to step up due to injuries. In the game against North Carolina, the Riverhounds had good possession but were unable to score more than one goal. Lilley noted a lack of sharpness in the game against San Antonio, which contributed to their defeat. Despite the tough start, Lilley believes in the team's potential. Historically, the Riverhounds have performed well against Hartford, with an 11-2-2 record since joining the USL. The coach emphasized the importance of winning at home to build momentum for the season. This home opener is particularly special as the team will honor Kenardo Forbes, their most decorated player, who has now joined the coaching staff. Lilley is excited about the transformation and aims to deliver a strong performance for the fans. The team also sees potential in striker Augi Williams, who showcased his skills by capitalizing on a defensive mistake in the previous match. The Riverhounds are 3-6-3 in home openers at Highmark Stadium, and Lilley believes that winning this game is crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the season. He stressed that each match is important and that they need to protect their home advantage. Lilley concluded by highlighting the significance of improving after a road loss as they prepare to play against a strong Hartford team.