The Hounds look bad and probably feel bad after Charleston wins 3-1
I didn’t get a chance to watch this game so I don’t have a ton to say about it other than-
By all accounts this was the worst the Hounds looked all season. The back line was in complete disarray with Arena out with an injury and Okiomah having to depart early in the game with an injury of his own. Apparently I read the situation completely wrong last week when I said the back line should start shoring up soon. Thompson is getting hung out to dry, leading the Hounds to have one of the worst goals against average and save percentages in the league. They’ve also quietly racked up a worst goals against total than they did last year in the first seven games. They just happen to be scoring a lot more this year too. Charleston is a quality organization who can and did take advantage of a weak back line. These next two games against Richmond could be just as bad (or worse) if the Hounds don’t figure something out.
The Hounds return home this Saturday to take on the Richmond Kickers in the first of a home-and-home series. Kick off is at 7 pm. Tailgate starts at 4 pm.
Notes
- Great to see Miro finally get a goal.
- The Hounds drop below the playoffs line for the first time this season. Fortunately the middle of the table is still tight. Positions 4-9 are separated by just 2 points.
- Per Matt Grubba at the Trib- Hounds have not won in Charleston since 2011 (4 losses, 1 draw), and that late Cabrilo goal avoided a 4th straight shutout by the Battery.
What They’re Saying
John Kryinsky – Pittsburgh Soccer Report
The one common denominator of the first and third goals, was seeing midfield in the middle of the box coming back to help, and clearly a central defender missing his mark.
I may be wrong, but it seems to me that using the outside backs to come forward as much as the Riverhounds do, also may expose the back line a bit more — and put a lot of pressure on the center backs and holding midfielders.
It doesn’t help having both starting center backs on the sidelines. But even so, the rest of the back line need to clean up on their mistakes or it could be a long season.
You should just read John’s whole article. If you’re feeling particularly panic-y the third section might bring you off the ledge.
Around the League
- Charlotte shock Richmond 3-0. Good signs for next week?
- Harrisburg gets it done at Red Bull Arena.
- Two games this weekend were postponed due to weather.
- Word has started to come out that FC Buffalo is looking to move up from the NPSL. Hopefully they go to the USL so we have another close away trip destination.
#UNLEASH
