Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Hartford Athletic  |  Oct. 30, 2021 — Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hounds coach Bob Lilley

On the overall game:
“We didn’t play well, and we didn’t pass well. We were fortunate that a lot of the dangerous balls in the box didn’t go in on our end. I suppose we defended it well as a back line. On a wet surface, we didn’t make the goalkeeper work. Even though it wasn’t a loss in the standings, it was ultimately a loss. We are going to have to go back to work on Monday. Hopefully, we can shake this one off and respond.”
On if this year’s team is different going into the playoffs
“All of them are different. We are hitting early balls to split the defense but couldn’t put them away tonight. We are at our best when Russell (Cicerone) and (Alex) Dixon aren’t running with defenders. We need to be able to get into gaps and force defenders’ hands. A lot of times, our guys were just running with defenders, rather than creating a variety of movements, and there was no method to it. We did not execute or play very constructively. It showed tonight.”

Hounds midfielder Danny Griffin
On if the 4-1-4-1 formation works better than three in the back: (Ed. note: We were in a 4-2-3-1 tonight)
“The best quality for us is that we can go to either formation. I think either way, we know our jobs, no matter who is in the position. We just need to focus in on the game plan. I know my job, and other guys know their job. I think that is the biggest credit I can give to the team, that everyone knows where they are supposed to be.”

On playing beside Kenardo Forbes:
“I think Kenardo Forbes is a great leader to play next to. After being here for two years, there is comfortability with him. I see him everyday in training, and on the field we have a good relationship. He’s confident on the ball and the person to look to.”

Danny Griffin on his role as the team’s “Ironman”:
“ Every second and every minute, I am just trying to do what I can to help the team. I just do what I can for the guys around me.”