Recently I sent the gaffer an email asking a few questions, my first ever e-terview...nothing ground breaking, just trying to get a bit of insight on the team and his assessment of the 2009 season. Thanks again Gene!

me: What formation were the Hounds playing for the most part in 2009 and what dictates the decision to play a certain formation?

Klein: Each system was designed to try and fit our personnel. We started with a 4-5-1 that became a 4-1-4-1 once Niko Katic entered the line-up. We then went to a 4-3-3 in an effort to get more numbers in the attack. When Randolf Jerome had to leave because of visa problems, we went to a 4-4-2 because we did not really have anyone to fill Jerome's role. There were often injuries, suspensions or just different players making their way into the line-up, and as a result we had to tweak things to fit what we believed were our best 11 for that day.

me: Are you often forced to switch up the formation and tactics when players pick up injuries or do you try to plug in a player who can fill a specific role?

Klein: We don't like to switch up the formation too much because we want to maintain continuity, so normally we would try to look for someone to [fill] a role. However, as mentioned, that was not always possible, so the system may have changed. The best example of that would've been the last game versus Crystal Palace Baltimore. Due to injuries and three suspensions, we were forced to start with three in the back for the first time all season. Sometimes it was more subtle, maybe just the shape of our midfield.

me: As tough as it is missing out on the playoffs, were you happy with the team's improved record from 2008 to 2009? What enabled the team to play so well away from home this season?

Klein: We still lost ten games and missed the playoffs, so no I was not happy with the results, but I was usually happy with the effort. The league has done a good job insisting team hotels to adhere to late check-out policies. That makes things a little easier as far as getting proper rest and a pre-game meal. I also think the veterans on the team did a great job setting the proper attitude.

me: Moving forward into 2010, who/what do you see as the core strength of the Riverhounds and where could we improve the most on the pitch?

Klein: Strength - We were pleased with our attitude, commitment and focus. We also hope the fans saw we attempted to play good soccer with proper team shape, collective defending and good combination play. Improvement - We need to find players who can finish consistently, as well as breaking down opponents with the dribble. We gave up too many soft goals at the wrong time and they have to be eliminated. We weren't quite dangerous enough to make up for any mistakes.

me: We were very impressed with Randolph Jerome in 2009. What made you pursue him after watching him play for Cleveland in 2008?

Klein: We played Cleveland three times last year and he showed he could play as a target with his back to the goal. We had been looking for a player like that. He was a fine talent and would do whatever was asked of him.

me: How were your assistant coaches able to help throughout the course of the season?

Klein: Justin Evans was great. He was truly a coach on the field. I also enjoyed discussing different options with him and found we were almost always on the same page. His contributions were vital. Paul Child could always give me a honest "outside" prospective. he could sit back and offer unique insights that only come from his 40 years in pro soccer. Jeroen Walstra would ask challenging questions that made you think and provide another view. In the end it was my decision, but everyone had input.

me: Who really stood out this season on the field?

Klein: Justin Evans just made 2nd team all-league, he still commands tremendous respect from the league's coaches.

me: Who was the season's biggest surprise?

Klein: Our rookies, Niko Katic, Tommy Gray and Tony Labudovski, although not a huge surprise because we knew they could play, they still made a significant contribution and we were very happy with their performance and attitude.

me: What, if anything, was this season's biggest disappointment?

Klein: Aside from not making the playoffs, the lack of support from the soccer community. Too many people were more interested in criticizing our short-comings than providing us with some support to try and make pro soccer work in Pittsburgh.

me: In your opinion, what does it mean to the players to have the support of the Steel Army?

Klein: It is so important for the players to know that we have a group of supporters who are with them through thick and thin. it was also great to hear the special cheers for the Justins, Salsis, Haydens, etc. I personally was very gratified to know that the Army recognized that the bulk of our crowd were young children and their families.

me: If you could sign any one player from any USL2 team for next season, who would it be and why?

Klein: Matt Delicate. He is dominant in the air, very effective on the ground and does a great job of bringing other players into the game, not to mention he scored a ton of goals. Unfortunately too many were against the Hounds.

This past Saturday the Hounds hosted albino-headed Swineheart and the Charlotte Eagles in a must win contest. It was a dream start for the Hounds when Jeffrey Hughes broke in alone and scored during the first minute of play. The Eagles quickly equalized and then went ahead all before the fifteen minute mark. The Riverhounds pushed ahead creating multiple quality scoring chances but just couldn't find the back of the net. The referees took the game away from the Hounds in the 51st minute after issuing a straight red to midfielder Niko Katic after he had been pulled down by the Eagles Luke Williams. Seconds later, Jason Kutney received a straight red for dissent when assistant referee Brian Miller claimed the ball was "thrown" at his flag. This is the second time this season that the Riverhounds have felt Brian's rage; the first was when we were ripped off in Rochestor during the US Open cup. Down by two men the Hounds pushed forward and created some great chances before Jorge Herra setup Charlotte's third goal, ending our threat and putting the game out of reach.

Even know the scoreline didn't favor Pittsburgh, it was one of the best games we've played at home in two seasons. The offensive attacks were both creative and entertaining. The boys played with heart and determination. Tommy Gray had five good looks on goal and Jeff Hughes again provided multiple, quality crosses. We out shot the Eagles 16-15 and earned seven corners to their five.

This loss officially ends any playoff aspirations. However, with 19 points the boys have already improved over last season's mark and look to add one more to the win column when we host Crystal Palace Baltimore next Saturday night for the season finale.

The Riverhounds shut down and shutout Western Ass this past Saturday night on the road. The Hounds now have six road points this season coming off one win and three draws. This is a vast improvement over last season's campaign where we struggled away from home. After this weekend's match up in Edinboro, the Riverhounds head to Bermuda for the double and then travel to Maryland and Harrisburg before hosting the last five contests of 2009 at the Valley. Success on the road will help the squad qualify for postseason play.

Match report courtesy of Jason Kutney:

We came out strong from the get-go and absolutely took it
to Western Mass from the start. The rain increased as the game went along, but we clearly controlled the possession and attempts at goal. In the first half, we had some nice chances created from the wings (Tommy Gray and myself) and Tony, Justin, and Niko stepped up to join in. Randolphe Jerome played well.

Tommy, Jerome, and I were fouled quite often. All in all, the ref did a good job of keeping the play alive and only calling the definite fouls. The second half saw harder rain and the wet field helped Western Mass a bit, as some of the passes that could've led to opportunities for us were just a bit too fast or skipped over a foot. Sean Cameron stepped on as a sub in the second half, with about 15 mins to go and nearly scored to take the lead.

He made a streaking run and took the ball perfectly from a Tommy
Gray pass and nearly converted, but the keeper came up big. All in all, the weather conditions didn't help, but we should've come away with a win. We played very well, moving the ball much better than last week, but certainly having an opportunity to rest up helped! The lineup for the start of the game was consistent from our recent matches, but T-Bone was not fit to play so Cody Bragg replaced him in the middle next to Salsi and played well.

With the looming threat of thunderstorms, most fans didn't make it out to the Valley last evening as the Riverhounds hosted the Bermuda Hogges (pigs). The brave seven hundred who did make it to the game were rewarded with a passionate and defensively dominating win. It was the 3rd straight game where gaffer Gene Klein unleashed Niko Katic in the 4-5-1 system. He's playing a destroyer-type role in front of an already solid back four making it very difficult for opposing offenses to penetrate. The Hounds generated about a dozen decent scoring chances of their own as Jerome again spearheaded the attack. Wingers Jason Kutney and Tommy Gray, the Jersey Boys, were again dangerous on the wings. Had it not been for some near misses the game could have easily been four or five to nil in our favor. The lone Hounds' goal came off the head of high-flying fullback Eddie Hayden from a Justin Evans corner early in the 2nd half. It was more than enough as Waltman and the Riverhounds' defense repeatedly slammed the door on the pigs.

We host the Kickers this Sunday at 7:05. Join the Army around 3:30pm at the Radisson Greentree for drinks as we get the festivities started proper!

UP THE HOUNDS !!!