7:30 PM – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
It’s has been 217 days since the Riverhounds’ 2013 campaign came to a crashing halt in Orlando. 217 days for head coach Justin Evans to contemplate what went wrong and how to prevent it from occurring again. 217 days for club CEO Jason Kutney and majority owner Tuffy Shallenberger to decide if this club was going to stay the course or push forward. They chose the latter.
Fast forward to today, March 29. The club finds itself back in Orlando, staring across the field at a team, if not an organization that they want to emulate. The Lions are completing their time in the USLPro before making the jump to MLS, next season. This is their farewell tour, and they are showing all indications that they plan on going out on top. The battle to become the next Orlando City begins in 2014. For the Hounds, the best way to show their intention of being the next heir to USLPro crown, is to ruin Orlando’s home opener, tonight.
Orlando is coming off a 1-1 tie at Charleston, last weekend. The Battery went out a took the lead but failed to hold on as a 75th minute equalizer from Austin da Luz ensured a split of the points. A notable addition, defender Rob Valentino is expected to see the field after missing last week with an injury.
Pittsburgh’s starting XI is a nearly impossible to guess. With the recent addition of Collins John and even more recent addition of the trio of Dynamo players, knowing who fits into Evans’ plans for tonight is tough to discern. Between the sticks, Hunter Gilstrap and Greg Blum have seen nearly equal time in preseason action. Furthermore, the gaffer hasn’t publicly indicated a preference for the starting job. A lot of clarity about the direction of this team should come when the starters and substitutes for tonight are announced.
Watch Party
The first game of the year gives us the chance to have the first watch party of the year. As previously announced, Hough’s will be the watch party spot for the Steel Army in 2014. There will be drink specials and giveaways. This will also be the first running of the Steel Army raffle, which we hope you’ll join. Furthermore, you will be able to purchase a Steel Army membership or a spot on the bus to Harrisburg. The festivities begin at 7 for the 7:30 kickoff. All are welcomed, bring a friend… or even a stranger!
We’ve waited 217 days to get this party started again. Party we shall.
#UNLEASH
