I wasn't able to attend the match, so I've included the official Hounds' press release below. Sounds like the weather affected the pitch and made for an ugly game. I also heard that the Vulcans didn't appreciate the Hounds' ball control, evident by their questionable late challenges, but that I cannot confirm! Also, I could be wrong but it looks like long-shot Jeremy Deighton has now scored in each preseason game...has he done enough to make the club?
Pittsburgh, PA – April 9, 2010
Riverhounds End Pre-Season Undefeated
The Riverhounds traveled to California Pennsylvania to round up their Pre-Season Exhibition matches in preparation for the 2010 season. California University played host to the Hounds on the cold and rainy April evening.
California took the early lead over Pittsburgh in the 11th minute. A Riverhound clearance was served back into danger by California resulting with the Hounds conceding a set piece for the Vulcans from 25 yards out. The Vulcan strike broke through the Riverhounds wall and past the diving hands of Hunter Gilstrap. The ball rebounded off of the upright to an unmarked Vulcan who passed the ball into the open goal.
The Hounds drew even with the Vulcans five minutes later. Travis MacKenzie played a slotted ball into the Vulcans penalty area and was thought to be cleared by California. The ball landed on Matt Bakers foot on the left side of the box. Baker picked his head up and played a lofted ball over the defense to find Chad Severs sitting alone on the far post. Severs’ first touch saw him cut the ball to his left past the approaching defender and slide a left-footed shot into the back corner of the goal.
Riverhounds veteran Nathan Salsi put the Hounds up 2-1 in the 19th minute. The Vulcans gave the Hounds their first corner of the match and Salsi took advantage of the opportunity. The initial cross bounced off of three or four players and landed at Salsi’s feet. His composure saw him lift the ball over the diving Vulcan goal keeper to find the back of the net.
Tommy Gray and Jeremy Deighton connected for the Hounds third goal of the half. Ed Hayden, attacking down the left flank served an early diagonal ball over the Vulcan defense to find Gray on the corner of the eighteen. Gray brought the ball out of the air with his chest and chipped it over his marking defender to find Deighton on top of the penalty area. Deighton prepared his body to receive the pass and struck a side-volley into the upper left corner of the goal.
The second half saw limited opportunities from either side. The match ended with the Hounds winning 3-1 over the Vulcans.
The Riverhounds open the 2010 season next Saturday, April 17th on the road against the Real Maryland. The Home Opener is Sunday, May 2nd at Chartiers Valley High School with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.
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