D.C. United comes to town today for one of the biggest matches in Pittsburgh soccer history. Without question the Hounds are the underdogs today. D.C. United are one of the best teams in MLS this year and traditionally have done well in the Open Cup. MLS squads swept through lower division teams last night going 8-0, and there may be little to slow them down from continuing the trend tonight.

This is a spunky Hounds team though. They have the best offense in the USL this season, and as we saw against Harrisburg the other week they never say die. Even last Saturday in Charlotte after going down a man they still battled for the final 20 minutes and came really close to tying it up. D.C. United are dealing with some injuries, and early analysis indicates they probably won’t start very many of their first team. Don’t discount home field advantage either. All the USL teams last night traveled, and in the Open Cup the home team usually wins. Plus the weather is looking a little iffy today. If it’s a sloppy game I have to imagine that favors the Hounds. If the Hounds can keep their composure in this big match I still like their chances for the upset. Whoever comes out on top tonight will find out their 5th round opponent tomorrow. 5th round matches will take place June 30 – July 1.

Some quick Riverhounds player notes-
– Moloto, Dallman, and Soumah are out with injuries.
– Matt Lampson, loaned GK from the Columbus Crew, is not available for Open Cup games. It will be either Hulings or Brown in between the pipes tonight.
– Earls will play tonight. The red card suspension he picked up last weekend will be served on Saturday against F.C. Montreal.

Tonight is going to be a packed house and an amazing atmosphere. Our tailgate starts at 3 pm. The march into the stadium will be at 6. Get out of work early, get your gold, and get down to Highmark Stadium!

COME ON YOU HOUNDS!

#UNLEASH