7PM – Highmark Stadium

 With the 2014 season drawing near and the two toughest preseason games in the rear-view, it’s time for local college friendlies to commence at the Highmark. That begins with a visit from the kids up in Oakland as Joe Luxbacher rolls his woeful Pitt squad down into Station Square.

The 2013 vintage of Pitt’s mens soccer team is probably one that everyone associated with the University would like to move past. Our visit to Ambrose Urbanic Field, as a part of the 2013 Steel Army College Tour™, for a match against North Carolina wasn’t even enough to change the Panther’s fortunes. A win in their penultimate fixture, a nine-nil drubbing over Howard University, was the only thing that staved off a win-less campaign. The Panthers should, seemingly, be looking to flip the script as they prepare for 2014.

The Hounds player that would know the most about Pitt’s listless 2013 season is goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap, who is an assistant under Luxbacher. Gilstrap and the rest of Justin Evans’ roster look to take advantage of their Texas training sessions and two previous home exhibition matches. However, will Gilstrap get the opportunity to face-off against the team he coaches? The battle to earn the starting goalkeeper job is getting a little more interesting. With two matches in three days, we may finally get to see Hunter and Greg Blum get a full 90 minutes, each, before this week is out.

TAILGATE

 It was announced on the Facebooks, last week, that in lieu of tailgating, the pre-game festivities for Monday night will take place at Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square. Party starts at 5:30 with people starting to make their way to stadium an hour later. Free admission to the game and there will be a limited concessions menu available. The Hounds’ team store will also be open.

#UNLEASH