7PM – Highmark Stadium
Match Officials, as assigned by PRO
REFEREE: Mr. Kevin Terry Jr.
AR1: Mr. Lucas Feathers
AR2: Mr. Jeff Forward
4TH: Mr. Nathaniel Buck
That infographic should tell most everything you need to know about how big of a game this is for Pittsburgh. The Hounds are a team that have underperformed and been vastly unlucky with injuries, both here and in Houston. A positive result tonight and Justin Evans and his team can start to the get the confidence that has almost undoubtedly taken a hit from an off-season chest thumping and declarations of dominance. A result that goes the other way and this team falls even further behind the rest of a field in an attempt to even see the playoff picture.
For Orlando, it has been all about consistency, thus far. Keeper, Miguel Gallardo-Aparicio has played every minute and is averaging only one goal allowed per contest. In the field, the scoring has been spread around to eight different players, with forward, Dennis Chin, and midfielder, Kevin Mollno, having found the back of the net four times each, through their first seven games.
For the Riverhounds, consistency is the last word you could use to describe the roster or performance of the squad. Injuries, suspension, and loanees bouncing back and forth have made it nearly impossible to even predict who is even in town to play a game, let alone determine a starting XI and formation. The best news to emerge in the past fortnight since the last Hounds’ game, is that Jose Angulo looks like he has shaken off his minor injury and should be starting. The reigning MVP has missed the last two games, and the effect was obvious. The man has a nose for finding the ball and getting shots on target. His presence on the pitch can only mean good things for the home team. Beyond that, it’s hard to figure out who will be getting to start, tonight. It may all just be one big surprise.
TAILGATE
We kick the festivities off at 3pm, this afternoon. Because this is a weekday, we will probably have a scattering of people parked in our area who are at work. So, our setup may be around some random cars. We’ll do our best to grab a six to eight spot section to set-up our base. Remember to bring some extra cash, as there are a bunch of awesome extra events taking place; including…
-First Goal/Last Goal – With the last game going nil:nil, the pot for the first goal starts off at $37 and the last goal at $36. I imagine that the tickets will be go quickly.
– Steel Army Beer – the first keg of SA Brew will be tapped for the tailgate. Suggested donation of $1 per cup. If enough people enjoy and we are able to recoup costs through donations, we’ll do our best to make this a recurring event.
– Lisch Sketch – Goalkeeper, Michael Lisch has done another awesome Steel Army themed sketch that will be raffled off tonight, with a portion of proceeds coming back to the Army. The team will have representatives come around the sell tickets during the tailgate, or you can buy tickets inside the stadium at the guest service tent next to the bistro.
Everyone bring your gameface. It might be a little wet, but the team is going to need everyone one of us to step it up and bring some energy and anger to the Highmark and help secure all three points. Time to get loud, angry, and mean. Time to make our house, our house.
#UNLEASH
