For the first time in 22 years, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have defeated an MLS opponent in the U.S. Open Cup.
Danny Griffin’s goal late in the first half turned out to be the winner as the Hounds took down the New England Revolution, 1-0, Tuesday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
The Riverhounds improved to 2-6 all-time against MLS competition. The team’s last win against an MLS opponent was a 2-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids in 2001, which came in the U.S. Open Cup. They moved on to the tournament’s quarterfinals for the second time in team history.
Not only did the Hounds top a MLS opponent, but they beat the current MLS Eastern Conference-leading Revolution. It’s also the first time in the Bob Lilley era that the Hounds have defeated an MLS opponent after several close calls, including an overtime loss to FC Cincinnati in last year’s tournament.
Luke Biasi threaded a pass through the Revolution defense to Griffin, who was able to tuck home a shot while sliding in the 44th minute.
Griffin returned to the Hounds last week via transfer from Huntsville. He was the team’s ironman the last couple seasons and set the record for most minutes played in a single season last year.
New England made a quadruple substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on four regular starters, including reigning MLS MVP Carles Gil, and started pushing for the tying goal, but the Hounds withstood the pressure.
They cleared out several corner kicks and Hounds keeper Jamali Waite kept out any chances that made it through.
“It never felt like we were under siege. The last 5-10 minutes got a bit hairy, but the key was we found outlets,” Lilley said. “We were positive with our play going forward, we were positive with the ball, and that gave us the energy and time to get back and defend properly.”
The U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal draw is scheduled for Thursday. The Hounds return to USL Championship play when they host Birmingham at 7 p.m. Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
