Different kind of bubble wraps team in comfort
The Riverhounds are in what coach Bob Lilley called “a bubble.” No, not a bubble in the same way some pro sports teams are playing and quarantining. Rather, they find themselves in a psychological bubble, zeroing in on the team’s upcoming USL match against Indy Eleven and not the circumstances that surround it.
When Lilley’s side plays host to Indy at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Highmark Stadium, it will be the first non-exhibition home game for one of Pittsburgh’s pro sports teams since the Penguins’ March 8 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. Yes, it’s been that long, 136 days to be exact.
Fans won’t be allowed to fill the seats at Highmark, but the game between Riverhounds SC (2-0-0) and Indy Eleven (3-0-0) will be televised on ESPN2 — adding a bit of national attention to a match that should have local eyes, if not glued,
casually tuning in on TV.
“It’s disappointing that we don’t have the fans. But we know if we keep winning, we’ll create a buzz,” Lilley said on a Zoom call with reporters. “I think we’re aware that we’re in the spotlight, whether that’s in Pittsburgh or getting to play on ESPN2. But it’s a great opportunity, whether we’re in the current situation or any year, to play a team like Indy in a big game. If you’re trying to be at the top of the table, these are big games.”
As of now, the Riverhounds are atop their table. They defeated Louisville City FC, 3-1, to open the season July 12 and followed with a 6-0 thumping of Philadelphia Union II Saturday. The Riverhounds are the only side that’s taken six points from their first two games in Group F, where they’re joined by Union II, New York Red Bulls II, Hartford Athletic and Loudoun United FC.
Instead of pushing forward with a full regular-season slate, the USL opted for a 16-game, eight-group setup with the top two teams in each group advancing to single-elimination knockout rounds. Indy Eleven, after winning March 7 and twice since the league restarted, sits atop Group E with nine points.
Strictly from a soccer sense, this could be a pivotal match (and week) for Lilley’s squad. The Riverhounds travel to New York to play the Red Bulls II Sunday. Six more points would give the Riverhounds a commanding, early differential in tshe group standings. That’s why Lilley and his team are adopting the classic “one game at a time” mentality.
“I’m glad that we’ve started well, and people are talking about us here,” Lilley said. “But, if we want them to keep talking about us, we have to keep showing that we’re getting better and we’re a top team and we have ambition for this year. … Sometimes as a coach if you start saying, ‘All the eyes are on us. Here’s a chance to make a statement.’ When you start going in that direction, you almost add pressure. … The other stuff happens organically if you’re playing well.
“So I’m hoping to have another good performance. Yes, I want it to impact us in our market. I’m hoping it’s more attention for the league, for soccer in general. I want all those things. But what I want more than anything is just to win the game.”
Forbes rising on charts
To be fair, Lilley could have talked about Kenardo Forbes for five hours, not just five minutes. So, when he was asked about the 32year-old midfielder who has been instrumental to the Riverhounds success over the past three years and shined with the Rochester Rhinos from 2015-17 under Lilley, a lengthy answer was expected.
Especially with Forbes nearing history.
The Jamaican international is three assists from passing Maikel Chang on the USL’s all-time chart. Chang, who starred for the Charleston Battery and Real Monarchs, has 37 career assists. Meanwhile, Forbes is tied for second with retired Colombian forward Jorge Herrera at 35.
Considering his form, it’s a matter of when, not if, Forbes will pass Chang. The Riverhounds’ play-making midfielder had three assists against Union II, logged one in the opener and led the club with 11 last season.
“Kenny is just a special player. He feels the game,” Lilley said. “He’s got a great engine. He’ll find the soft spots naturally. And once he gets into a game, his awareness of what’s going on, where players are, is very good.”
Now, assuming Forbes passes Chang, the latter could eventually take back the record. Chang, who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in MLS, might end up in the USL later in his career. But, at least for the time being, Forbes is poised to write his name in the league record books — perhaps as early as Wednesday.
“His awareness of space and where we’re going to be effective. … I trust him as a player to solve problems out there on the field,” Lilley added. “He’s a great passer, and he gets better every year.”