Gameday 2: Pittsburgh Riverhounds v Rochester Rhinos

A week removed from five goals in 90 minutes, and no one is really sure how to comprehend it all. We could write a couple hundred words on last week, but much like the squad, the more important thing, now, is this week.

With eyebrows surely raised around the league, the Hounds look to continue the momentum of last week as equally pesky Rochester makes their way down from New York. A match up that never seems to be easy, Mark Steffens has to look to score first and quickly, to avoid getting sucked into Rochester’s ‘so-defesive-they-make-the-New-Jersey-Islanders-look-like-the-Harlem-Globetrotters’ style of play. (Yes, I just used teams in three different sports to make one comparison. I’ll be here all season.) To accomplish that goal, look for much of the same as last week, with Vincent and Kerr pushing forward from the opposite sides. The question will be who starts as the central (in theory, lone) forward. Miro Cabrillo started last week, but was subbed at half for Vini Dantas. Reading between the lines, it seems like Dantas is the preferred option to start, but with his late arrival to the squad, is he prepared, tactically and physically, to start and play a majority of the minutes.

For the rest of the squad, there are no new apparent injuries to keep guys sidelined, while everyone who missed last week because of injury, are still no yet prepared to see action. This probably means we will see an unchanged midfield and back line from last week. Any changes may be indicative of the coaching staff’s of a player’s performance against Harrisburg. In addition, Ryan Thompson is back from his friendly with Jamaica (3rd national team cap and a clean sheet. Congrats, Ryan) and should be between the sticks, tonight.

Rochester is coming off of a scoreless draw (imagine that) at Red Bulls II. However, the highlight of the game was clearly Rhinos’ keeper, Brandon Miller, making a wonderful penalty kick save to preserve the point.

Fitness may still be an issue for Rochester. Last week, Rochester mad three of its five substitutions at the hour mark, and the other two with over 10 minutes left to play. Beyond that, it’s hard to gather much for the Rhinos’ opening performance of the season, except to say they haven’t changed their style of play.

Tailgate

The tailgate officially kicks off at 4, but show up whenever you can make it. Memberships and merch will be available for pickup or purchase. Last week, sans temperature, was awesome. No reason we can’t keep that energy and excitement rolling this afternoon.

Of hugely important note, it appears our two year quest for tater tots may finally get paid off.

Hey @SteelArmy — look what’s on the menu for @PghRiverhounds games: @Tuffy_Shall Tater Tots! pic.twitter.com/QEVlkYPETd

— Rebekah Sungala (@Rebekah_Sungala) April 1, 2015

While this was posted on April Fool’s day, we have it on good authority that this is, indeed, legit. Congratulations to everyone who passive-aggressively pushed for today to become reality. Enjoy the spoils. We will publish Jim Taylor’s full review of the tots when it becomes available.

There is no reason last week needs to be a fluke, either on field or off. Get down to Highmark, have beverage of choice in tow, and make the decision to be an influence in how tonight’s contest is decided.

#UNLEASH

Written by steelarmy