The Hounds fight back to draw Saint Louis 1-1
Three games, three different outings by the Hounds. The first game was great. The second was bad. This past weekend we saw something in the middle. The Hounds came out strong and dominated the flow of the game in the first 15 minutes or so. Unfortunately they weren’t able to accomplish much, and after Saint Louis calmed down and got into their rhythm the Hounds found themselves on the defensive. There where for stretches where the Hounds looked really good, and other times they look rather mediocre to bad. This game was the type of game I think we may see a lot of this season. The thing that worries me the most coming out of the match is how easily Saint Louis was able to pick apart the Hounds back line with long balls. I lost track of the number of times a Saint Louis player received a ball at or behind back line without any difficulty. Most of the time the Hounds were able to close down on the guy, but a better team can and will take advantage of that. I don’t know if there was miscommunication among the defenders or if Steffens system is leaving too much space or what. Hopefully they get it sorted out or else it’ll become a major exploitable weakness for the team.
Notes
- Generally I like what I see out of Touloute. He’s fast, gets himself into dangerous positions, and has good ball control. However, after seeing him lose the ball a few times I’m staring to wonder if he tries to do too much on his own
- Earls sure is a yellow card machine. 3 cards in as many games. Love the tenacity but if he wants to avoid watching matches from the press box he needs to tone it down a little
- Speaking of yellow cards, Okai’s was very weak
- I know it’s their first game but wow does Saint Louis need to work on their production. Some bad camera work and stupid long replays at bad times
- Speaking of needing work- the St. Louligans with the random smoke in the 85th minute
- Thanks to everyone who came out to the watch party! It was a great time in the new bar. Let’s do it again some time ok? Like say, May 3rd at 2pm
What They’re Saying
Kyle Heizler – Reckless Challenge
In the opening 15 minutes, neither team really set the world on fire. Both teams stayed compact and tested for weaknesses in the defense, but no real threats were created. The Hounds were pressing high up the pitch and creating some problems for STLFC, but the final ball was lacking. Those would be the most promising moments of the first half for the Hounds though.
Just as in Week 1 against Harrisburg, the Hounds found themselves not able to keep any possession, or carelessly giving it away. STLFC were tilting the field in their favor. Moving players between the defensive lines of midfield and defense, STLFC started exploiting a stretched Hounds defense.
“Ryan had a huge game for us,” said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens. “He really kept us in the match after we had stopped connecting with our passes.
“We’re not sure of who we are yet and we’re still trying to figure it out, so this was a really big point for us on the road.”
Alexander Chismar – Pittsburgh Sporting News
Hardware continued to be a force in the game when, in the 46th minute, he stole a pass intended for Riverhound defender Willie Hunt, sped like lightening down the field, composed himself as he approached the box, broke to the right and was just shy of getting a shot on net. Instead, the ball was blocked by Riverhound defender Anthony Arena, deflected to St. Louis FC forward Jermie Lynch who was then denied by goalie Thompson.
This save could have very well been the catalyst for the Riverhounds in clamping down defensively and beginning and sustaining more offensive possession and chances on goal.
John Krysinsky – Pittsburgh Soccer Report
What this Riverhounds team showed Saturday, was character, coming back from a deficit on the road.
They also boast a goalkeeper who certainly can be a force.
From a tactical point of view, they showed that they have been able to successfully use their depth and make necessary adjustments needed to regain the momentum of a match.
Around the League
- The “2” teams lost all 5 matches against non-MLS owned teams
- Wooden Spoon update- Only FC Montreal and Harrisburg City Islanders remain without any points
- I was away all weekend and have no idea what happened around the league. Sacramento had their home opener or something, idk
#UNLEASH
