Home vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds Preview

Date: Saturday August 23, 2025

Previous Result: Detroit City 2-0 Tampa Bay

Records: Tampa Bay Rowdies (18 pts 5W-3D-12L); Pittsburgh Riverhounds (28 pts 7W-7D-7L)

Standings: The Rowdies are 12th in the East and the Riverhounds are 6th. 

It was a rough week on the road for the Green and Gold. Two bad goals doomed the team to a loss despite a very long pause due to inclement weather. With just ten matches left, including the one this weekend, any result would’ve been better. Now the players must put it behind themselves and get some points on the board – or they risk missing the playoffs. Get your tickets for the game this Saturday at Al Lang to cheer the boys on to a much needed victory!

What went wrong for us in Michigan? 

The Rowdies have not been particularly strong in 2025 either on the road or at home. Yet, there were signs of progress for the team in the last few games. Sadly, the loss to Detroit City did not continue that trend. The first half especially looked like a regression to some of the lesser moments of the season. Despite a long rain delay, they couldn’t turn things around in the second half.

Finishing the game nearly even on possession, shots, and Big Chances, at least according to FotMob, seems a little surprising on the rewatch. Tampa Bay seemed second to most first balls and second balls. At times they were almost lethargic. While there was very little offense to speak of, the defense was also poor at the other end. This is, naturally, a recipe for disaster. 

With Lewis Hilton sitting on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, alongside recent starter Nick Moon, it seems injuries may have played a role in the lineup. Thomas Vancaeyezeele took over in the center of the midfield next to Danny Crisostomo. Recent signing Juan Azocar lined up on the right side while Charlie Sharp and Woobens Pacius played either side of Manuel Arteaga. 

At times, it looked like there was a disconnect between the players on the field. When out of possession, the visitors were no better. While the first goal was definitely a wonder strike from Alassane Diouf, slack pressure was still partly at fault. Aaron Guillen wound up on the right side of the defense leading up to that strike. Whether or not the positioning played a role, only he can say.

The second goal was far worse to concede. With the first half wearing on, the desire to win the ball back seemingly went away. A member of Detroit City’s three-man backline was able to carry the ball from nearly the halfway line into the Rowdies’ box. There he found Darren Smith in a seam between defenders. That was all he needed to tuck it past Ethan Bandre in net. 

To be clear about this goal, Bandre should have done better. He’ll know that. However, he was let down beforehand by such lackadaisical defending in front of him. It wasn’t a game where one team just out-classes the other, embarrassing them with flicks and tricks. The difference at times was simple intensity. Where Detroit City had some basic level of energy, the Rowdies did not. 

RBLR Man of the Match: 

James: Laurence Wyke

Carlos: Robert Castellanos

How can we knock off the Riverhounds?

The schedule is now a major problem for Tampa Bay. Including the upcoming match this weekend, there are ten more left until the playoffs start. There is a potential thirty points on the line over this stretch. Of course, the way things are going, the Rowdies would be lucky to get half of that. They need everything they can get, currently sitting bottom of the table. 

There is good news, though. Despite the rough go of things, the Rowdies are only five points off of that final playoff spot at time of writing. The other good news is that they host their next game. Being in familiar surroundings will hopefully boost the team ahead of their matchup with Pittsburgh. The visitors this weekend are not in the best form, with only one win in their last eight.

This is not to say they won’t be dangerous. Bob Lilley has been in charge of the Riverhounds for longer than we’ve been a republic – or so it seems. He knows how he wants to play and he knows how to put his charges in the best positions to succeed. With a common three-at-the-back setup and wingbacks attacking on either side, the Rowdies need to be wary.

Those wingbacks are not the only sources of danger. Indeed, they are not the main sources of danger, at least according to the numbers. Danny Griffin and Robbie Mertz are the two creative forces that drive the Black and Yellow forward. With their four goals each, they only trail main striker Augie Williams in league play. The latter has five in the USL Championship.

It will be a question of shutting down the Riverhounds’ midfield for Tampa Bay. If they can control that portion of the field, they’ll give themselves a better chance of winning. But, that’s hardly revelatory. The question is: how do they control that area? Ultimately, it may come down to who’s available and who isn’t. There’s almost a Jekyll and Hyde aspect to the Rowdies’ own lineup.

As stated above, Lewis Hilton and Nick Moon were on the bench last weekend. (Incidentally, new signing Bill Hamid was also on the bench, offering a backup option for Ethan Bandre.) When Hilton is playing, it’s undeniable the Rowdies look a better side. His experience as well as his energy and sheer desire to fight seem to lift the players around him to a higher level. 

The Green and Gold will need to go up a rung or two in terms of their performance just to match Pittsburgh. If there’s one thing the latter bring at all times, it’s intensity. They’re not always the most technical, the most tactical, or the most experienced team. But, coach Bob is going to get them running through walls and defending as a single, organized unit. 

They’re not invulnerable. Two rookies make up the three-man backline. Another has started most games recently at the right wingback spot. They’ll have Griffin, Mertz, and others to help direct them; but, the Rowdies should be able to create chances. Fans will hope they can put on a better spectacle after the last home game. It was a wasted opportunity when the club was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Now’s the time to make up for that. 

RBLR Score Predictions: 

Carlos: 2-0 W

James: 1-1 D

Yurika: 2-1 W

RBLR Sports Predictions Standings:

Carlos: 8

James: 18

Yurika: 15