By @SAdyson
If you haven’t heard already, USL PRO finally dropped the 2014 schedule.
And boy, is it going to be a ride.
This gif pretty much summed up Twitter after the schedule first leaked:
NOTES:
- The Hounds open the season March 29th at Orlando in a rematch of the dreadful 5-0 playoff loss in the quarterfinals to the Lions last season. The Hounds were able to blank the Lions 1-0 on their home turf, so they definitely have a shot at stealing 3 points right away out from underneath Orlando’s feet.
- The home opener at the Highmark is Saturday, April 12th. If you thought the home opener was nuts last season, wait until you see the place this season. A huge tifo is already being planned, and the tailgate will be sure to be a party. Have to love the “4-12” significance for the yinzers.
- There are very few weekday games for the Hounds this season, and only one of them is at home. This is great for the Highmark and trying to sell tickets. Last season, several road trips were stalled because of games being scheduled on Fridays or other weekdays.
- Harrisburg–THREE TIMES–in one month?! It’s a Pittsburgh soccer supporter’s wet dream. Not only is the Harrisburg leg of the Keystone Derby on a Saturday, but the Hounds also nabbed a Saturday match versus Rochester. Should make for some solid away trips.
- @KyleMcHenry aptly noted that the schedule seems to be much more regional this year, with road trips making a lot more sense. Could this be the league slowly trying to transition to regional play in 2015? We will see.
- Pittsburgh has two matches against MLS reserve sides this season–Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas. The MLS-USL PRO partnership seems to be working well for both sides, and don’t be surprised if you see more inter-league integration after the 2014 season.
#UNLEASH
