By @SAdyson

The power of Christ compelled the Eagles to a convincing win over the Riverhounds.

Instead of allowing a late game-winning goal, the Hounds’ D was torn apart in the third minute as the Eagles jumped on the Hounds early. After being reduced to 10 players after a red card in the first half, the Hounds continued to fight an up-hill battle all game. The Eagles finished the Hounds off with a 2-0 win and deserved every minute of this victory.

In four games to open the season, the Hounds have dropped 3 out of 4 games and have only one point to show for the month of April. When you make several huge offseason acquisitions and open a new soccer-specific stadium in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, expectations will continue to be high. Fortunately, the Hounds have only scratched the surface of the 2013 USL PRO season and have nowhere to go but up.

FIRST HALF

3′ GOAL: Charlotte immediately pounces on the Hounds, taking advantage of a huge defensive lapse in the middle of the Hounds’ own penalty area. Christian Ramirez buries an opportunity by Christian Meza. 1-0 Eagles.

15′ Hounds are able to place a set piece in the penalty area of the Eagles, but no dice.

21′ Charlotte effectively skewers the Hounds’ backline and has a brilliant opportunity inside the Hounds’ zone, but misses the goal.

25′ Red card issued to Hounds defender Anthony Vazquez on a reckless challenge from behind in the middle of the field. Hounds being play with 10 on the field.

30′ Curious early-game substitution by Evans, as Amoo comes out and Mike Green comes in.

41′ Seamon tenaciously barrels through the Eagles’ defense, but is unable to capitalize on a good opportunity to score.

SECOND HALF

53′ GOAL: The Eagles have several opportunties inside the Hounds’ penalty area, as Charlotte start Christian Meza drills one home. 2-0 Eagles.

61′ Arteaga on, Angulo out.

76′ Hounds create havoc on the left side of the pitch, but are unable to put an opportunity home.

79′ Arteaga puts a header on net, but the Charlotte keeper makes an easy save.

83′ Charlotte with another opportunity, but sends the shot sailing over the Hounds’ goal.

Game.

NOTES:

• About a dozen Steel Army members made it out to Claddagh Irish pub to watch the game. Tommy and company were extremely accommodating. It looks as though the Army made have found a home to watch all away matches.
• To say that the Hounds’ back line has been terrible is an understatement. You really have to question some of Evan’s choices on D. Costanzo came in as a sub on midfield this game, so it looks like the Richie experiment at left back is over. Look for the Hounds to make even more adjustments to shore up their defense.
• It was interesting to see the Hounds sit Hunter and play Blum in net. It was probably a move to keep Hunter rested for Charleston, but still, the Hounds needed a win against Charlotte.

#UNLEASH