Riverhounds SC 0, Phoenix Rising FC 0 (2nd Half)

Match Stats

With playoff positioning and opportunity for a home playoff match at stake, the Riverhounds battled Phoenix Rising FC for 90 minutes but neither side could come through with a decisive goal and had to settle for a scoreless draw at Highmark Stadium on Saturday night.

With this result, the Hounds finish the regular season with 44 points.

In the first half, Pittsburgh controlled a good part of the play but didn’t find any quality chances for more than 30 minutes, before stepping up the attack for three decent chances in a five-minute span.

In the 38th minute, Hounds forward Augi Williams was on the receiving end at the far post of a well-played cross from Robbie Mertz, but chance went high, making it easy for Phoenix keeper Patrick Rakovsky to swat away.

Moments later, Pittsburgh’s winger Luke Biasi goal box — cuts it back for a left footed chance that pings off the post.

The second half, Pittsburgh continued to minimize the visitors chances with most of the play relegated to the middle of the field.

The momentum swung to Phoenix in the 78th minute when they started to get deeper into the final third.

 

Look for a more detailed recap to follow along with reaction from Highmark Stadium.

Match Key Moments
Second Half

FINAL — PITTSBURGH 0, PHOENIX 0

87′ – Mertz finds Sample’s head with the second ball off the corner, but the shot strikes the back of a defender and bounces harmlessly into GK Rakovsky’s arms.

80′ – Two more substitutions on our side. IN: Bertin Jacquesson, Perrin Barnes OUT: Augi Williams, Luke Biasi

79′ — SAVE!! Eric Dick has to extend high — and keeps a dangerous shot from sailing under bar.  PHX on the front foot the past few minutes — and that was their best chance.

78′ — What a defensive stop by Vacter !!  Sacko got behind the defense and had an open look at net, but the center back tracked back in time to snuff out the attempt!

73′ – Here comes the first substitution of the match, and it’s Jackson Walti entering in the place of Charles Ahl.

69′ — Pittsburgh Chance! It’s Vacter on the end of corner — in middle of box — but header goes too high.

68′ — Pittsburgh Chance!  Hounds fly forward — Etou sends a bending ball around back line to far post for Williams who can’t quite connect on it.

61′ – Sample goes for goal on the volley once again. It’s well-hit but rising all the way and off target.

56′ – After the first half ended with chances galore, the opening 10 of this half has settled into a midfield battle.

46′ — No changes for either side

First Half 

HALF ENDS!  Pittsburgh pushed well for the go-ahead goal but it’s the first game in a while the Hounds didn’t score in the first half (since Sept 13 2-0 loss to Louisville)

43′ — Bradley Sample from the edge but low shot steers wide left

41′ — Chance! Luki Biasi gets into goal box — cuts it back for a left footed chance that pings off the post.

38′ — Chance! Augi Williams is played a great ball from Robbie Mertz at the back post. Takes it down off chest but bounces up and his attempt is swatted away by PHX keeper Patrick Rakovsky

30′ —- at half hour mark — not much to report. If anything, the Hounds have bottled up and limited a pretty good Phoenix attacking unit from getting into any kid of rhythm.

20′ — Hounds’ Luke Biasi makes a deep run into edge then tries difficult angle shot that just misses and goes over goal

18′ — this time — at midfield — Ahl gets the foul call when he rolled his first touch in air then attempted to turn past defender Carl-Fred Sainte, who clearly hip checked the much smaller attacking middie

14′ — Ahl draws some contact in box — but official lets it go

10′ — PHX gets first shot on frame — header from John Scearce who connected with in-swinging free kick from past midfield.  Charles Ahl was called for foul that led to set piece.

5′ — Junior Etou comes barging the box attempting the old play it wide to yourself — then get to the ball first. Didn’t work out and hard foot-on-foot collision then causes PHX players to start pushing and shoving. Emotions running high on both sides

🚨 Playoff scenario update! 🚨

With North Carolina’s 1-0 win today at Loudoun, the Hounds would clinch a home playoff match with:

✅ Win tonight vs. Phoenix
✅ Draw tonight vs. Phoenix AND a Hartford loss at Louisville (7:30 start)#PITvPHX #Grittsburgh

— x – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (@RiverhoundsSC) October 25, 2025

 

 

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