7:00 PM – Highmark Stadium
Match Officials, as assigned by PRO:
REF: Mr. Matthew J Kreitzer
AR1: Mr. Erik Blackburn
AR2: Mr. John Groff
4TH: Mr. Nickolas Pisciottano
Riverhounds Yellow Card Watch (5 cautions to a match ban)
Danny Earls – 3
Anthony Arena – 2
Stephen Okai – 1
Morning Line Odds Via Bet365
Pit +100
Drew +230
Tor +225
Two weeks ago, the Hounds escape with a road draw and everything feels good. Last week, the Hounds let two points slip through the cracks in the waning minutes of a home match and things felt less than good. Today, the first MLS owned club of the season comes down to Highmark Stadium and if the early season results is an indication, it might be a good day for the Hounds to get a little healthier in the table.
For Toronto, the Reds will be without midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, who was shown a pair of yellow cards and will serve his match ban tonight. Kaye has appeared in all four previous TFC II matches, starting in three. The club has also announced the acquisition of forward Ben Spencer, on loan from Norwegian side Molde FK. Spencer had previously been loaned out to Indy Eleven of the NASL. In addition, the club announced that TFC academy product Anthony Osorio has been added the USL club roster.
TFC II has been, thus far, an example of an MLS owned club that isn’t sure if they fielding a team in a competitive league or trying to get guys minutes. In four previous games, the team has had 23 players see the pitch. Only three players have started all four matches for the Reds.
Te offense appears to run through Molham Babouli, who has been credited with 15 shots this season, far more than anyone else on the team. However, those attempts have only been good for one goal. No one on the team has scored more than one goal.
For Pittsburgh, it appears to be much of the same. Mark Steffens appears to like the effort and tactics of his side, with a lack of in-game experience with the system and some fitness issues being the culprit that currently holds the team back. The Hounds have been effective in the midfield, usually able to dictate the action through quick passing and efficient off-the-ball movement. However, the finishing in the final third has been lacking. If Vini Dantas, who joined the team late in the preseason due to indoor obligations, is able to find the right chemistry with the midfielders, then the tactics drawn up in the offseason can start springing to life.
Tonight could be the 2015 depute for Matt Dallman. The third year Riverhound has been working through a hip injury in the off season and has yet to see the field this season. Dallman found a spot in the substitutes bench last week against Louisville, but wasn’t tapped to take the field. If the injury has progressed enough to warrant another spot on the bench, Steffens will have be tempted to give Dallman a few minutes of action as he progresses to full match fitness.
TAILGATE
Kickoff is at 7pm, with the tailgating ready to commence at 4. Don’t be discouraged by what you may see outside your window now. The forecast from the start of the tailgate through the end of the match calls for temperatures in the mid 50s with no more than a 15 percent change of a light rain. Today isn’t a day for excuses for why you should stay home. Today is another day to back the boys and do your part to help secure all three points. There may be a surprise or two to announce at the tailgate as well. Get effen pumped!
#UNLEASH
