June 30, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
In the midst of the team’s longest winless run in three seasons, the Hounds have a chance to get back on the winning track in their only Friday night tilt of the season when they visit New York Red Bulls II.
The recent downturn in form has caused the Hounds to slip below the frontrunners in the Eastern Conference over the past month, but a win in New Jersey would push the team right back into fourth place as it reaches the official midpoint of the schedule. The Baby Bulls, on the other hand, have struggled with just nine goals and a single victory in their first 16 matches, but draws this season against Tampa Bay and San Diego – currently the third-place teams from each conference – illustrate the danger posed on this road trip.
It was that same Tampa Bay team that toppled the Hounds last Saturday, as defensive miscues allowed the Rowdies to take a 5-2 win. There were positives on the offensive end, however, as goals by Arturo Ordóñez and Russell Cicerone made the Hounds the first team to put two past the Rowdies in well over a month, and the chances were there to add more to the total.
Relevant streaks, both good and bad, are on the line going into the match. The Hounds are trying to end their winless streaks both overall and on the road, but they will be doing so against a Red Bulls II side they have beaten in their past six meetings, three of which were at MSU Soccer Park. In those past six meetings, the Hounds have outscored New York, 16-3.
Still, there are no guarantees against New York, whose attack is led by Jordan Adebayo-Smith. The young, speedy striker has three goals this season, and he scored against the Hounds a season ago while with Tampa Bay. The Baby Bulls are in bounce-back mode themselves, having suffered their worst loss of the season last Saturday in a 5-0 defeat at El Paso.
Because of the Friday night kickoff, the match will not air live locally. However, all matches remain part of the USL Championship’s broadcast package and will be streamed via ESPN+.
Fans in Pittsburgh can also catch the game being shown live at the team’s official watch party destination, Mike’s Beer Bar on the North Shore. Mike’s will show the broadcast on their TVs at the bar, where they boast a selection of more than 500 beers and a menu that includes a “New York” road trip special – a lamb pastrami sandwich.
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