Looking for a winning, fun team to watch in Pittsburgh? Don’t waste your time on the North Shore, but get to Station Square to watch the Riverhounds.

I’ll admit something.

I haven’t been down to Highmark Stadium in a couple weeks. Sometimes, that’s just how life goes — it throws you some curveballs and you can’t quite get down to watch your favorite team. However, I’m looking forward to coming back Sept. 7.

However, there’s a home game before that. Even though I can’t make it, you definitely should. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds host new expansion team Loundon United on Aug. 23.

Now, you might be thinking something.

“Soccer isn’t for me” or “This isn’t a soccer town.”

Well, you might be a little off there. Just recently, Steven Goff of the Washington Post calculated which cities garnered the most interest and views when watching Manchester United and Chelsea battle in the Premier League. Inside the top 15, Pittsburgh sat at a tie for 14, with St. Louis — who have just been awarded an MLS team, according to reports.

Even better than just watching on the television is getting to the games. The Hounds have been selling tickets left and right, filling up seats at Highmark Stadium. And, it’s not just one-and-done deals. Of course the Hounds get good crowds for the home opener and Fourth of July games. But, in their last six home games, the Hounds have seen more than 3,000 fans in the stands.

The Quality of the Hounds

Of course, to obtain those numbers, you have to have a good product. Right now, that’s no issue for the Hounds.

The club is currently on a five-game winning streak. Their most recent victory last night over the New York Red Bulls showed a team that, of course, has imperfections, but doesn’t give up. The Hounds went down early, with a goal from New York’s Tom Barlow in the 20th minute.

However, Joe Greenspan erased the league with an equalizer in the 36th minute. Kenardo Forbes continued his excellent run of form with an assist on the goal. After the match, Riverhounds SC head coach Bob Lilley said that the first goal from New York woke the Hounds up.

“The last 15 minutes of the first half we were more positive,” Lilley said. “In the second half, we got more runners in front of the ball. When we went forward, we closed the field up. There were two good teams. It was a tight game. Fortunately, we got the winning goal in the second half. We did a good job closing the game once we got the lead as well.”

The play of hometown hero Robbie Mertz has also been bringing fans in. Mertz is from Pittsburgh and went to Upper St. Clair for high school. He was originally drafted by the Colorado Rapids of MLS, but was soon released. He signed with Pittsburgh this season and is having a Rookie of the Year campaign. So far this season, Mertz has six goals, tying the team for second most with Steevan dos Santos.

Neco Brett is having a fantastic second season in a Hounds uniform, leading the team with eight goals.

There’s another reason to get down to Highmark Stadium, too.

The Atmosphere is Infectious

Listen, you don’t need to be a soccer fan to know how to have a fun time. The Steel Army is a group of the biggest die-hard Riverhounds fans. I’m a proud member myself, and am looking forward to sitting with them at least once.

However, when I’m taking pictures, I feel like I have to wear earplugs when I sit in front of them. They’re loud the entire match. The fans in the stands facing the pitch are also loud, but nowhere near as loud as the Steel Army. The group invites anyone who will willingly cheer on the Hounds to join them. If it’s not willing? Well, they’ll find a way to make you cheer.

The Hounds games are a great atmosphere. It’s for family, for college students, kids and anyone in between.

Plus, one other thing I’ve learned in my four years of covering the team. The players are the most chill guys you’ll ever meet. This year’s group is really special. I’ve been part of four different teams with a lot of new players coming in and out. However, no group seems tighter than this group right here.

You’ll hardly ever not see Tobi Adewole smiling. Anthony Velarde running around the pitch with his daughter after games is one of the most fun things to watch. Kevin Kerr will literally say hello to anyone. Coach Bob? He’ll talk your ear off, but every word he says is so insightful.

The team is filled with a lot of different personalities, but they all mesh together well.

So, Pittsburgh, are you tired of watching the Pittsburgh Pirates lose another 21 out of 25 games? Are you bored with waiting for the Penguins to take the rink once again? Are you sure you want to deal with all that North Shore traffic during Steelers games — even if it’s the preseason?

Get down to Highmark Stadium, then. You won’t be disappointed.

PHOTO: Members of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds gather in a huddle with head coach Bob Lilley. Photo courtesy of Chris Cowger/Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

About Post Author Rachael Kriger administrator http://pittsburghsportscastle.com Rachael Kriger is one of the founding members of Pittsburgh Sports Castle, where she also covers the Riverhounds SC, Steelers and Hotspurs FC. In addition to PSC, Kriger’s work can be found at Last Word on Soccer, Equalizer Soccer and PGH Soccer Now. Rachael also serves as a photographer, snapping pictures at Hounds matches. Follow her on Twitter, @RachaelKriger. See author's posts