May 7, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC made an early lead stand up to remain perfect at home this season, as Danny Griffin’s goal gave the Hounds a 1-0 win over Birmingham Legion FC tonight at Highmark Stadium.
Griffin, the Hounds’ midfield workhorse and minutes leader, scored his first goal of the season just four minutes into the game, finishing on the third assist of the season from defender Nate Dossantos. The Hounds (6-2-1) continued to press for more goals, outshooting the Legion (3-4-3), 18-10, and holding 57 percent of possession.
The Legion were held without a shot on goal in the match, allowing goalkeeper Kevin Silva to record his second shutout of the season without a save.
First half
Things got started quickly when Griffin got himself in the right place for an early finish, as he made a run to the center of the box to receive Dossantos’ low cross from the left.
Griffin took the pass and turned away from goal and the defense before slotting a low shot into the net. It would be the only shot to beat Legion goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel, who made seven saves.
Some of those saves were of the highlight variety, none more than his reflexive stop to get a hand raised to deny Albert Dikwa at point-blank range in the 31st minute.
Second half
The Hounds continued to have the better of play in what head coach Bob Lilley termed his team’s best performance of the season.
Russell Cicerone nearly doubled the lead after forcing a turnover in the 59th minute, but Van Oekel cut down his angle on the left side of goal to make the stop.
The Hounds finally went to their bench in the 78th minute, bringing on four new players, and the fresh legs got the team to the finish line. Silva did well to come off his line and collect a few late, long balls forward, and the Hounds almost had a two-on-none break toward goal in the final minute, but Dikwa’s clearing pass struck the referee, ending…