7PM – City Stadium
Match Officials, as assigned by PRO:
REF: Mr. Matthew Franz
AR1: Mr. Clive Edwards
AR2: Mr. R. Patrick Stephan
4TH: Mr. Brian Odenwald
Riverhounds Yellow Card Watch (5 cautions to a match ban)
Danny Earls – 3
Anthony Arena – 3
Stephen Okai – 2
Matt Dallman – 1
Willie Hunt – 1
Lebo Moloto – 1
Today, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds wrap up what appears to be the most difficult three game league match stretch they’ll have all season, when the walk into Richmond’s City Stadium to complete the home-and-home series with the Kickers. Pittsburgh has yet to win on the road and Richmond has yet to be beaten at home. Hopefully, both things can change this evening.
For the Hounds, it’s all about putting together a complete game. Last weekend the backline proved to be solid, with nothing but an unfortunate slip being the catalyst to the Richmond goal. However, it was up top the proved to be the weakness for Pittsburgh, with quality opportunities inside the 18 that couldn’t be completed, leading in a 1-1 draw. Everyone has seen every part of the team play well at separate moments, but never in the same and complete 90 minute period. Once that happens, this team could prove difficult to topple.
Injuries have continued to be an issue for the club. On Wednesday, third string keeper Ryan Hulings earned his first professional win with a clean sheet against the West Virginia Chaos. Ryan Thompson, still with an apparent back issue, served as the bench keeper. Last weekend’s starter, Calle Brown was kept off the roster with a small knock of his own. Who starts today???
For Richmond, it appears to be business as usual. The Kickers find themselves in the top third of the Eastern Conference and have proven to play well as home. They currently hold a plus-eight goal differential at home, across all competitions. Unsurprisingly, Brian Ownby has been a big source of their success, including being the fortunate benefactor of Anthony Arena’s slip right outside of Pittsburgh’s box last weekend.
If both teams play to their abilities, this will be another fun match to watch. If one team makes a mistake and the opposition can pounce, that will probably be what decides this game.
Watch Party
Tonight is our second proper watch party at Highmark Stadium. Everyone is invited to come down and join us as we cheer on the boys from right outside our home pitch. The bar will be running a special on draft beers. This would also be a great chance to sign up for our bus trip to Rochester at the end of next month.
UNLEASH
