For Nashville’s second (and final) game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this season, I once again caught up with Justin Ashcraft of Mon Goals for an update on the Black and Yellow:
For Club And Country: After the first game in Nashville, how did your expectations for the Hounds change? Have they lived up to those?
Justin Ashcraft: I’m not sure that had that many expectations going into the first game. It was our first game of the season, we had heard about the Lilleyball, and I thought we would be good defensively. We played a strong defensive game in that first game of the season and so it just confirmed those thoughts. I thought the way we attacked in the second half of that game was strong, so the expectations for our attack increased. That hasn’t held true as much. But I still feel good about this season overall!
FCAC: Which players have emerged that maybe you weren’t expecting to start the year? Any that you thought would have a bigger role that haven’t so far?
JA: So the two obvious answers have been Tommy Vancaeyezeele and Neco Brett. Tommy V came out of a Division II school [University of Charleston] as the player of the year, but I wasn’t sure how that would translate to USL. He has been all over the field for us this season and I have been super impressed with his play. We also were hearing that Romeo Parkes and Dennis Chin were going to be the strikers this season, but Neco Brett has emerged as a really good striker and he just finds the net. On the other end, Joe Greenspan has been injured, Parkes was injured. Other than that, I have been pleased by everyone’s contribution and minutes.
FCAC: Obviously #Lilleyball and the undefeated season to date have been a major USL storyline. What’s gone into that success? Has Pittsburgh stayed in the 3-5-2/3-4-3 that we saw in the first game between these teams?
JA: I think that the biggest thing that I would point to is discipline. The Hounds are 22nd in the league in fouls committed, tied for 30th in the league in yellow cards (12 in 10 games), and we have not had a red card. The team also has 7 clean sheets and has only given up a league leading 5 goals! We have stayed in that same formation for the most part. It does look different on a game by game basis. It also changes throughout the game. I think Lilley likes that it is flexible.
FCAC: Projected starting lineup for Wednesday? Any other specific predictions (including a score)?
JA:
Brett
Forbes-Holland-Francois
Zemanski
Lee-Roberts-Tommy V-Adewole-Dover
Lynd
I predict a 1-1 draw. I think it is a tight defensive battle. If a team wins, it will be 1-0.
Thanks to Justin for taking the time (again) to fill us in on the Hounds. Follow him on Twitter and take in his analysis on Mon Goals to stay up to date with Pittsburgh!
Club and Country 