Versatility is important in the USL Championship, where the Riverhounds currently sit one point off first place. The squads of the second division are small and sacrifices are required. So is improvisation. If you’re just one thing, you’re a less valuable option. And Griffin is more things than his coach can count.
He started out coming off the bench in his rookie year in Pittsburgh in 2020 and, in the space of just a little over two seasons, Griffin has become, according to Lilley, “one of our best.”
A Man for Many Positions
“I’m happy to play where I’m needed for the team and Coach Bob,” said Griffin. “Higher up or a No10 [second striker] depending on the formation. Deeper, higher closer to goal – you name it.”
Though compact in stature, Griffin’s influence on games is huge. It’s been on display in all three of the Riverhounds Open Cup games so far this year – especially against the then-MLS leading New England Revolution on the road in the Round of 32.
When Griffin darted into space between Revs’ defenders Omar Gonzalez and Christian Makoun a few ticks before the halftime whistle went, it was just a quick little pattern – another among the hundreds of runs he makes every game. But his first touch and keen finish opened everything up.
It was a goal that sealed a huge upset and would kickstart a Cup run for the ages.
“I liked how aggressive we were,” Griffin said of the 1-0 win at Gillette Stadium that was prelude to another 1-0 win at home in the next round over the Columbus Crew (also of MLS). “We created chances and were never really on the back foot and to come out with a win on the road was just huge.
Griffin saw that win for what it was: “a chance to keep building.”
It was something else too.
A chance to show all the MLS clubs who continue to pass on his services just what they’re missing out on. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Connecticut, where he’d hop the fence at Wethersfield High to play with his friends, Griffin wanted to be a pro from an early age.
“My love for the game was there from the beginning; I knew it right away,” said the man who gives his all each time out for the Hounds. “And getting to MLS, to the highest level, is still part of my plans.”
Between the Lines
While playing college ball as a Providence Friar, he spent his summers with the homegrowns on that very same field in Foxborough, Massachusetts where he made a Cup sensation of himself. He remembers going up against senior Revs heroes Lee Nguyen (now retired) and veteran defender Andrew Farrell too.
