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The Hounds will finish the regular season playing the same opponent they started it against, the Richmond Kickers. Richmond claimed the regular season championship on Wednesday night with a 2-0 win against Orlando. Richmond’s been on fire this season and definitely deserve the title. The results of this match won’t affect their standing, and since their undefeated streak has already been broken, I can see them resting some of their starters. Even if Richmond doesn’t give it their all, they are still a tough opponent to end the season on.

On the Hounds side of the ball they’re returning home from a trip to Wilmington where they phoned it in during the second half allowing 4 unanswered goals. The Hounds clinched a playoff berth making the last two games not all that important, but it would be reassuring to see the Hounds enter the post season looking sharp. We’ve seen how dangerous this team can be (just ask Orlando), and going up against the best team in the league will be the ultimate test. If the Hounds manage to go deep in the playoffs they’ll more than likely see Richmond again.

There isn’t much on the line for the Hounds either tonight. They currently sit 7th but can’t go any lower. Any points from this game will move the Hounds to 6th, in which case all eyes will be on the LA – Rochester match later in the evening. If LA gets equal to or more points than the Hounds, the Hounds will remain in 7th (tie breaker) and face Orlando in the first round. If the Hounds are able to get 6th they’ll play either Harrisburg or Charleston depending on how Harrisburg does Saturday night.

Follow us on Twitter @SteelArmy for updates on the Hounds final seeding and who we’ll be playing in the playoffs.

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LAST MEETING: April 6th, 2013 – City Stadium – 0-0 Draw

HOUNDS PLAYER TO WATCH: Jose Angulo, F – Angulo’s been a player to watch all season so this isn’t much of a surprise. Angulo currently leads the league in points, but is 1 goal behind Dom Dwyer to tie for the golden boot. Look for Dallman and the rest of the Hounds to feed Angulo the ball to try to get those goals to put him above Dwyer.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Richmond Kickers Official Website

Overall, the Kickers hold a 14-8-6 record over the Riverhounds, with a rivalry dating back to 1999 when the two franchises competed in the USL First Division.  The Kickers opened, and will close, the 2013 regular season against the Riverhounds, having hosted them in their season opener on April 7 when the two clubs battled to a scoreless draw.  This weekend marks the first time that the Kickers will travel to the brand new, soccer specific Highmark Stadium for the first time during the state-of-the-art facility’s inaugural season.

 

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PROBABLE RIVERHOUNDS STARTING XI: Gilstrap, Costanzo, Marshall, Green, Flunder, Dallman, Motagalvan, Seamon, Kerr, Seth, Angulo

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Let’s end the regular season like we started- with points. #UNLEASH