6 PM – Highmark Stadium
Match Officials, as assigned by PRO
REFEREE: Mr. Vito Testa Jr.
AR1: Mr. Eric Tattersall
AR2: Mr. John Safar
4TH: Mr. Nathaniel Buck
Harrisburg comes into Pittsburgh after and hosting and losing to the Richmond Kickers by conceding a goal in stoppage time, Nick Noble was in net for Harrisburg, and has played every minute, so far, for the City Islanders. Will Noble get the start on the quick turnaround, or will Brian Sylvestre see his first minutes of the season? Also interesting, City Islander’s manager, Bill Becher put his entire normal starting XI out on the field, last night. Meaning, that the Hounds will be lining up against guys who don’t normally get to start or against guys will who played 45 to 90 minutes the day before.
Pittsburgh comes into the game still winless in the league, but coming off an emotional 120 minute victory of RWB Adria in the US Open Cup. Can Niko Katic’s squad, with Collins John squarely installed as captain, use Wednesday’s result to start the daunting climb out of the USLPro cellar and begin scrapping for a top eight position?
Despite being in last place, the Hounds have yet to face any of the six teams directly above them in the standings. Starting today, Pittsburgh will face those teams in seven of the next 10 contests, before facing an MLS reserve side.Certainly, this has been a season of delayed aspirations and unfulfilled promise. With the weakened schedule directly in front of them, and the biggest moment of the season still fresh in their minds, and an opponent who has on the field, last night, today would have to be the best chance this team will have to reverse league fortunes.
This isn’t Dayton, Arizona, or Charlotte. This is Harrisburg rolling into town, this afternoon. That has to mean something. These teams face off three times in the next 14 days, twice in our house. Let’s make them feel very unwelcomed.
#UNLEASH
