Coach likes what he sees now
Eight games into the 2016 season, coach Dave Brandt inherited a Riverhounds team moving backward.
After beginning with a 14-3 record, coach Mark Steffens was dismissed May 21. In came Brandt, fresh from a successful 18-year collegiate career in which he complied a .786 winning percentage during stops at Messiah College and Navy.
Brandt said he likely underestimated how difficult it would be to establish his culture in Pittsburgh. He calls the pre-existing system a “watered-down” version of what he wanted, which is an up-tempo style based around speed and penetration.
Now that he has had an offseason and preseason to implement his system and values, he is optimistic the Riverhounds will be better than their 6-17-7 record last season.
“I think that was a function of some things in the team and the organization that were maybe at a low ebb that I walked into,” Brandt said of that slow start. “I thought it was really difficult on and off the field. It was hard. Things have changed and gotten better, and we’ve had time this year. So, we’ll expect some good things.”
The Riverhounds open their 2017 season at 5 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium against the New York Red Bulls II. They finished the preseason 3-2-1, and forward Corey Hertzog said players are trying to stay mellow as they prepare to move into the regular-season slate.
“It’s just being calm,” Hertzog said. “This week, everybody’s just like, can’t wait for the game, can’t wait for the game. You can’t tire yourself out mentally. Just trying to keep everything inside, be calm on game day, just let it all out.”
Brandt said this season will be a clean slate for both him and his players. He has had time to teach his schemes, and Brandt said players have responded well.
“I think when you come in midseason, there’s a lot already established, either consciously or unconsciously, that really needs to be undone if you’re going to start somewhere else,” he said. “It’s difficult to undo that sort of thing, taking steps backwards in order to move forwards. I think when you start with a full preseason, you’re starting on an even keel, starting clean.”
Hertzog, who led the Riverhounds in goals, assists and minutes in 2016, should play a key role this year as well. Midfielder/forward Kevin Kerr, who is entering his fifth season with the team and was a captain last year, and midfielder Stephen Okai also have had good offseasons, Brandt said.
The Riverhounds have confidence and a willingness to put last season behind them, though it remains to be seen how that will impact their win total.
“I think this organization needs to learn how to win,” Brandt said. “There’s a fine line in terms of mentality and what it takes. ... I think this group just needs a little success, a little confidence. We’ve gotta create that for ourselves. They’re not handing it out or giving it away.”