Eastern Conference Final
• Pittsburgh 1-0 Rhode Island FC: It was perhaps fitting that Pittsburgh native Robbie Mertz scored the goal that has sent the Riverhounds to their first final in 26 seasons in various USL pro levels — they were on hiatus in 2007 — before (yet another) record sellout crowd of 6,745 fans at Highmark Stadium. Mertz, who played at Century United and for Upper St. Clair High School and trained in the Riverhounds Academy before heading off to Michigan, has played six seasons for the ‘Hounds. His goal in the 55th minute was their first in the playoffs. Their two previous victories came via shootouts after scoreless draws.
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