By @SAdyson
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (0-0-0) at Richmond Kickers (0-0-0)
7:00 PM – City Stadium, Richmond, VA
Watch on-line LIVE on @UNATION
The Hounds open up their 2013 campaign at City Stadium in Richmond, VA against a formidable foe. The Kickers finished 4th out of 11 teams in USL PRO last season, and retain much of the core of their 2012 roster.
With their roster finalized, the Hounds look to take points away from Richmond in their house so that they can build momentum before their home opener on April 13th in Highmark Stadium.
LAST MEETING: July 13, 2012 – City Stadium – 3-1 Kickers
HOUNDS PLAYER TO WATCH: Darren Amoo, F – Amoo has scored multiple goals for the Hounds in several preseason matches and may be the offensive spark the Hounds were missing in the 2012 season. Darren has established great chemistry with several of the midfielders — including the speedy Ryan Kinne. He should keep the Kickers’ D on their toes.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Richmond Kickers Official Website
Overall, the Kickers hold a 14-8-5 record over the Riverhounds, with a rivalry dating back to 1999 when the two franchises competed in the USL First Division. The Kickers led the two-game series last season, defeating their northern rivals 3-1 in Richmond after drawing even at 1-1 in Pittsburgh. The two clubs last met at City Stadium on July 13, 2013 when defender William Yomby opened scoring before Matthew Delicâte converted his 63rd career goal, to draw even with the club’s all-time leading scorer, Rob Ukrop.
Saturday’s match marks a milestone in Kickers history, officially kicking off the club’s MLS affiliation with D.C. United. As part of the landmark partnership agreement, four players could be suiting up for the Kickers this weekend as Taylor Kemp, Conor Shanosky, Michael Seaton and Casey Townsend begin their season-long loans in Richmond.
PROBABLE RIVERHOUNDS STARTING XI: Gilstrap, Costanzo, Marshall, Vazquez, Flunder, Lundberg, Motagalvan, Seamon, Kinne, Arteaga, Amoo
#UNLEASH
