5PM – City Stadium
Game officials, as assigned by PRO:
Referee: Mr. Ted Unkel
AR1: Mr. Hagan Barnett
AR2: Mr. Bill Dittmarr
4TH: Mr. Adam Roscioli
This is an early-season gut check time for the Riverhounds. The squad have conceded seven goal in the past two weeks, with zero points to show for their effort. The team’s biggest offensive firepower is out with an injury and won’t be able to even come off the bench. Another one of last week’s goal scorers will be serving the first of his three game suspension. The team currently sits second from the bottom of this (still immature) table, and locals are starting to feel just a little bit restless. Will this squad look each other in the eyes and demand of one another that the stand up to this adversity and begin to perform to level of the expectations?
For Richmond, the Kickers are coming off an away loss at Charleston, despite taking a 1-nil lead into the locker room, at half time. Richmond has spread the scoring around, thus far, with the team’s six goals being evenly distributed between three players. Beyond that, it’s hard the gauge what kind of squad Richmond really has, this season. They have looked average, at best, on the road. With their only home game having also been against Pittsburgh. This is a squad that has already shown that they won’t be at the same level as their 2013 counterparts, for among other reasons, the loss of the MVP Joesph Ngwenya to the Hounds. Speaking of which…
It isn’t all doom and gloom for Justin Evans’ squad. Ngwenya has steadily increased his playing time, seeing the entire second 45 minutes (and may have potential scored the equalizer) in last week’s home opener. He has steadily gotten his legs under him, and could potentially be ready in be listed in the starting XI. Another bright spot is Kevin Kerr’s return to form, from preseason mic stand/corner flag injury. Kerr came on for the final 10 minutes, last week, but only need six of them to take a touch from Collins John and allow us to release some blue smoke into the Pittsburgh air. Logically, one could assume Kerr should be ready to see even more action, today. Continuing on the list of people making their returns, Anthony Arena is back from his one-week emergency recall to Houston. Arena, who was certainly missed on the back line, should help control the the middle of the pitch, while giving Justin Evans more flexibility to deciding who else to start in defense. Finally, Hunter Gilstrap makes his way back from getting the face broken (with help from some awesome dome accessories), though it remains to be seen if he is ready enough to get the starting nod, or if Houston prospect and impromptu Steel Army historian, Michael Lisch will go between the sticks, tonight.
As mentioned before, this could end-up being an early crossroads game for the 2014 Riverhounds. The team was dealt a difficult early schedule, and haven’t done much with it. However, key pieces are rounding into form, while other players will have an opportunity to prove they deserve an increased presence in the team, as they step in for those who are unavailable. Even a split of the points should inject optimism into what must already be a frustrated locker room. Grab all three, and the team comes back for a three game homestand with the confidence that could wipe away any lingering doubts that existed following the Wilmington debacle.
Starting XI This Is Sure To Be Wrong
WATCH PARTY
We make our way back out to Hough’s for today’s watch party. We officially begin at 4:30, but there is nothing against getting there earlier. There are also a couple different drawing and raffles taking place, as well.
– The first goal/last goal will be back up and running
– We’ll be selling tickets for a vintage Flunder jersey, however this raffle will span a couple watch parties
– The Carlsberg swag for the week will be some sweet looking ball caps
In addition, we *may* have a couple special guests showing up to watch the boys grab all three points, as well. Plus, you’ll already have your seat nice and warm for a certain hockey game that starts right after the Hounds’ match. Overall, should be a very enjoyable evening at the Taproom.
#UNLEASH
