Riverhounds give big boost to playoff hopes with win over Loudoun United

In July, making the playoffs seemed impossible for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Now it’s more than probable.

Edward Kizza and Bertin Jacquesson had a goal apiece and the Hounds continued their late-season surge with an important 2-0 victory at Loudoun United on Saturday night.

Pittsburgh (11-10-12) and Loudoun (11-13-9) came into the match tied at 42 points, and with the victory, the Hounds have put themselves into an excellent position to make the postseason.

They are tied for seventh with North Carolina FC in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings, but hold the tiebreaker. There are several ways the Hounds can clinch a playoff berth next week, but getting a victory will guarantee a spot.

Kizza’s goal came on a header off a free kick by Robbie Mertz in the 33rd minute. It was Kizza’s 11th goal of the season and the fourth straight game in which he’s scored.

Jacquesson scored in the 59th minute off a cross from Langston Blackstock.

The goal continued what has been a remarkable run for Jacquesson since being acquired via loan from Real Salt Lake the first week of September.

Jacquesson has five goals and two assists in six appearances and the Hounds are 4-1-1 in that span.

Eric Dick made four saves to secure his 13th clean sheet of the season. He extended his lead for the Golden Glove, which is given to the goalie with the lowest goals against in the league.

The Hounds had only three victories entering July, and were at the bottom of the standings at one point, but have gone 8-2-6 since.

They’ll host El Paso Locomotive, the last place team in the Western Conference, next Saturday in the regular season finale.