Despite win, Steffens out in Pittsburgh

Mark Steffens coached his last game for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and it was a thrilling way to go out. The Riverhounds, who had yet to win a game prior to tonight, notched a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC II. Lebo Moloto scored the first goal off of a Kevin Kerr free kick, and Corey Hertzog added another four minutes later in an open-net shot. Pittsburgh is currently sitting in 13th place of the Eastern Conference, six points out of a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh's first win on the 2016 season comes after a tumultuous 2-0 upset defeat to Lansdowne Bhoys FC in the second round of the US Open Cup earlier in the week.

Steffens ends his time at the Riverhounds with a 12-13-11 record. He took last year's 11-9-8 team to the first round of the USL playoffs, as well as an appearance in the fourth round of the US Open Cup. Prior to his time in Pittsburgh, Steffens managed the Charlotte Eagles for seven years. He won two championships, was awarded Coach of the Year twice and is a USL Hall of Fame inductee.

"We appreciate what Mark has done in his time with the club," Riverhounds owner Tuffy Shallenberger said in a press release sent out shortly after the game. "You never like to see things of this nature happen, but we both agreed this was the best decision for the club's future. We wish Mark the best of luck in his future endeavors."

This is the second coaching firing since Shallenberger took over ownership of the team in 2013. Justin Evans was let go of his managerial duties in May 2014 after a 0-4-3 start of that year's season.

No announcement has been made yet on a replacement.