The U.S. Open Cup match against D. C. United is only a day away, and to say we’re excited is an understatement. It’s one of the biggest games in Riverhounds history and could be the catalyst for relevance the team has been striving for since moving to Highmark Stadium. The Hounds are 1-3 against MLS teams in the Open Cup. You have to go all the way back to 2001 for their only win when they took on the Colorado Rapids. This also happens to be the only time the Hounds have hosted an MLS team.

D.C. United is probably the toughest opponent the Hounds could’ve drawn. At this time they are one of the best team in the MLS and traditionally they’ve done very well in the Open Cup. But, anything can happen in these tournaments. D.C. is on a bit of a slide. The weather is looking like it’ll be sloppy… There’s magic in the air surrounding this Hounds team. I’m really liking their chance of an upset, especially if they can put on a performance like they did against the Rowdies.

That’s enough about the team for now. There will be plenty of articles in the coming day or two. Let’s talk about us. It’s figuratively a big game, but also literally as the Riverhounds pack the house full of fans. Let’s talk shop for a bit.

Get there early

Yeah yeah it’s a week day. Screw work! Get out early and get down to Highmark Stadium and to the tailgate! Some folks will be down there as early as 3pm to get the party started. We want this place rocking, and the only proper way to do that is with a beer in the parking lot.

Besides tailgating you also want to get there early because we’re going to head into the stadium early. Normally when we march we get there a few minutes before player introductions. For this match we want to make sure we’re in there early, we have our section, and we’re ready to go. We don’t want some newbies accidentally taking our spot! Or *shudder*, D. C. United supporters. Make sure you’re here early. The march will be sometime between 6 and 6:15.

Wear your gold

By decree from top men, it’s going to be a gold out. We’ve had success with black outs in the past but obviously we can’t do that this time around. So wear your gold! If you don’t have anything Hounds related I know you have something Pittsburgh related. Wear it!

Rain or shine

As if it was any question that we would let a little bit of rain stop us!

Get loud

I said it before and I’ll keep saying it, this is a big game for the Hounds. Highmark Stadium is probably going to as packed as it’s ever been. With all the new folks that this game is going to bring we need to lead the way and show them how it’s done. For 90 minutes we need you all to be loud, to be crazy, and to never let up. Bring your A-game with the chants. You regulars know them. Be leaders tomorrow night and sing them loud. Our voices need to echo across the field as if the place was empty.

I hate to say it but there’s also a good chance we will be outnumbered. D.C. United are supposedly bringing quite a few supporters, plus D.C. United seems to have a strong local draw. The United supporters are going to be loud. We need to be louder. This is our house damn it! The Hounds cannot feel like they’re playing an away game.

“It’s brilliant,” said Riverhounds midfielder Kevin Kerr, who recently also scored a dramatic late winner in USL play. “You’ve got the Steel Army that keeps getting bigger and bigger. They’re top notch for this league. They’re there whatever the weather, whatever the time. I’m sure they’ll be out in full support for the D.C. game.”

“The more support we get from our fans the more life and energy it gives our players,” said Steffens. “Crowd support is not overrated. Our players thrive on a good, noisy crowd!”

Riverhounds Seek Club’s Next High Mark Against D.C. United

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Have I said it’s a big game before? It’s a big game! A lot of attention will be on the team and a lot of new people are going to be at Highmark Stadium. Much like the Hounds on the field, we need to be at the top of our game. Let’s show the world how we do it here in Pittsburgh! COME ON YOU HOUNDS!

#UNLEASH