The boys will finish up their preseason this Wednesday evening (7pm @ CMU) competing in a three team round robin with Duqensne and CMU.
Showing posts with label Match Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Match Report. Show all posts
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds traveled to California University last night for a preseason friendly. The Hounds dominated the game, winning 5 nil. This brings the preseason totals to a staggering 4-0 with 12 goals scored and none conceded. Reigning rookie of the Year Jeremy Deighton led the way with a brace before limping off with an ankle injury late in the second half. The Hounds midfielders controlled play throughout a physical match. Other goals were scored by CB Kyle Veris and rookies Neil Shaffer and Matt Fondy. Keepers Hunter Gilstrap and Derek Yobbi shared the clean sheet.
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.
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.
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 Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club lost by a score of two to nil to the Wilmington Hammerheads this past Saturday night at the Valley. The Hounds went into the second half trailing by two and were not able to find the back of the net after 90 minutes. Our best scoring chance saw leading scorer Randolph Jerome taken down by the Hammerhead's keeper on a clear break. The referee incorrectly ruled that the keeper played the ball, but it was clear to all 887 people in attendance that Jerome was pulled down while the ball rolled just wide.
Jerome has been the Hounds most consistent and dangerous player in 2009. His six goals and 13 points in 14 games led the Hounds. His speed and power has allowed gaffer Gene Klein (for better or worse) to implement a 4-5-1 formation with Jerome playing as the lone forward. Jerome spent last season with the Cleveland Shitty Stars. When he was signed by the Riverhounds this spring we in the Steel Army were not impressed. In fact, I was flat out opposed to the move and questioned Klein's decision. However, Jerome's strong play and constant hustle won me over quickly. The prophetic phrase 'Jerome is gonna get ya' was chanted by the Steel Army faithful each week.
I would be lying if I wrote that Jerome's departure didn't affect me. I made it a point to find him after the game and asked him about his situation. He informed me that his visa had run out and that he had to leave that same night. I took off my scarf and draped it over his shoulders, thanked him for everything and wished him luck in the future. Teary eyed, he accepted, and thanked the Steel Army for our support. Jerome, you're a class act and will be missed.
It's been a long season full of both good and bad times. We've still got a remote shot at postseason play but without Jerome in the lineup our attack will lack bite. Perhaps we'll finally see Sean Bucknor unleashed against the Eagles next weekend? Maybe the speedy Bill Brindley will factor in? Could Joe Zewe, Jeff Hughes or Tommy Gray move into a forward role with the club? In any event, the games will go on and the Steel Army will be there to support the squad.
The only thing sweeter than Pioneers coach Leszek Wrona's buttery, bald head was watching Riverhounds winger Jeff Hughes carve up the asses' defense for 87 minutes on Sunday afternoon. In contrast to Friday night's debacle, the Hounds attacked from the opening whistle with Bill Brindley providing a spark in the midfield. It could have easily been two or three nil before center back Nathan Salsi converted an off-balance pass by Jerome in the closing seconds of the first half. Jerome buried two PKs in the second half. The Hounds had something like 17 shots vs only 3 by the Pioneers. It was as lopsided a win as I've seen in two seasons. Jerome had the big day statistically, but Hughes was clearly man of the match and weekend. On Friday night his last minute heroics evened up the score saving us from a total meltdown.
Hopefully this performance will give the lads the shot of confidence they're going to need to run the table from here on out. We've got three games at home and need all nine points plus a little help to make the playoffs.
I'd like to now toss a special shout out to Western Ass' middy Anthony Augustine...hey bitch, I hope that vagina injury you suffered heals up soon ;p
Hopefully this performance will give the lads the shot of confidence they're going to need to run the table from here on out. We've got three games at home and need all nine points plus a little help to make the playoffs.
I'd like to now toss a special shout out to Western Ass' middy Anthony Augustine...hey bitch, I hope that vagina injury you suffered heals up soon ;p
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:
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.
From the looks of it, we'll never know...
It's no secret that the Hounds have two very explosive forwards in Randolph Jerome and Sean Bucknor. Jerome has been featured a ton so far this season, leading the team with three goals. Bucknor on the other hand has only had one start, on the road in Harrisburg while Jerome recovered from a set of bruised ribs. Will we ever see these two paired up, and if not, why? Down by two goals to Richmond last night, Jerome was subbed for Bucknor in the 78th minute. Sean went on to record a few shots and created some great scoring chances down the stretch. Why couldn't we have pulled a fullback off and kept Jerome in the game? I cannot see any backline in the USL2 being able to stop these two monsters at the same time. Also, the 4-5-1 formation is stifling, but it's also taxing on the lone forward and wingers. These guys had started their third game in six days. Richmond had played on Saturday night in Maryland. We should have utilized our depth and been the more energized team throughout the contest. Make no mistake about it, we dropped three very important points at home which could have vaulted us into 4th place. Instead, we're sitting in 8th wondering if this is the beginning of the end.
We want Bucknor to get a chance alongside of Jerome up top. Please gaffer, UNLEASH THE HOUNDS!!!
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 !!!
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 !!!
You're not going to read this from the Riverhounds, who I'm sure are trying to stay professional about the result, and you won't here it from the Rhinos who know that their first round victory was tainted. However, you will hear about it here, the truth, the skinny...
In all my years of playing, watching and following sports, that was the worst case of clearly biased officials affecting the outcome of a game.
The Hounds fell to the Rhinos 4-2 in penalty kicks after 120 minutes of complete crap. We took the lead half way through the first on a T-Bone goal. The Hounds continued to dictate the game and deny the Rhinos any space. Justin Evans, Niko Katic and T-Bone Bonseu were solid down the middle in front of keeper Danny Waltman. Jerome was playing alone up top again in the 4-5-1 formation, holding up the ball well and allowing wingers Tommy Gray and Jason Kutney to make runs. Things looked very promising until the 72nd minute... After realizing that Rochester couldn't muster many quality chances, the refs decided to eject T-Bone for an alleged dangerous play. This left the Hounds to defend a one goal lead with ten men. Even the home-grown announce team in Rochester agreed that the call was horrific! Minutes earlier, Kutney was pulled down from behind in the penalty area after being sent in on a pinpoint pass from Jerome. No foul was given. The Riverhounds played with heart and desire as the lead held through 90 minutes. The officials then announced four minutes of added time. Four minutes! Like it was scripted, the Rhinos tied the game off a corner with about thirty seconds to play. The officiating was more than inconsistent, it was criminal.
The Riverhounds had seven cautions to the Rhinos three, including the ejection.
So, I did a little research on the officials, here's the breakdown on those refs:
Jason Krnac, a native of Cleveland Ohio, 35 years old and an official member of the USSF Futsal Assistants
Michael Farmer, Streetsboro Ohio (just outside of Cleveland)
Brian Miller, listed as a resident of "Northern Ohio"
(see a fucking pattern here? well, it gets worse...)
Bill Engel, native of Rochester New York
Well, there you go, three Pittsburgh-hating Cleveland scumbags and a native Rhino. What else could we have expected? It's pure and utter bullshit, end of story.
btw, here's Brian Miller's email address, be sure to drop him a line about the game...
brianmiller@cox.net
notice the domain there, fitting to say the least...
In all my years of playing, watching and following sports, that was the worst case of clearly biased officials affecting the outcome of a game.
The Hounds fell to the Rhinos 4-2 in penalty kicks after 120 minutes of complete crap. We took the lead half way through the first on a T-Bone goal. The Hounds continued to dictate the game and deny the Rhinos any space. Justin Evans, Niko Katic and T-Bone Bonseu were solid down the middle in front of keeper Danny Waltman. Jerome was playing alone up top again in the 4-5-1 formation, holding up the ball well and allowing wingers Tommy Gray and Jason Kutney to make runs. Things looked very promising until the 72nd minute... After realizing that Rochester couldn't muster many quality chances, the refs decided to eject T-Bone for an alleged dangerous play. This left the Hounds to defend a one goal lead with ten men. Even the home-grown announce team in Rochester agreed that the call was horrific! Minutes earlier, Kutney was pulled down from behind in the penalty area after being sent in on a pinpoint pass from Jerome. No foul was given. The Riverhounds played with heart and desire as the lead held through 90 minutes. The officials then announced four minutes of added time. Four minutes! Like it was scripted, the Rhinos tied the game off a corner with about thirty seconds to play. The officiating was more than inconsistent, it was criminal.
The Riverhounds had seven cautions to the Rhinos three, including the ejection.
So, I did a little research on the officials, here's the breakdown on those refs:
Jason Krnac, a native of Cleveland Ohio, 35 years old and an official member of the USSF Futsal Assistants
Michael Farmer, Streetsboro Ohio (just outside of Cleveland)
Brian Miller, listed as a resident of "Northern Ohio"
(see a fucking pattern here? well, it gets worse...)
Bill Engel, native of Rochester New York
Well, there you go, three Pittsburgh-hating Cleveland scumbags and a native Rhino. What else could we have expected? It's pure and utter bullshit, end of story.
btw, here's Brian Miller's email address, be sure to drop him a line about the game...
brianmiller@cox.net
notice the domain there, fitting to say the least...
We've been calling for Tupi since seeing him kick a few guys during the exhibition season, but Nikola Katic hadn't had a start through the first six games. After taking a beating in Charlotte on Friday, Riverhounds manager Gene Klein gave a few guys the night off in Wilmington. This opened the door for Katic, Tony Labudovski and Tommy Gray to get their first starts of the season. The rookie trio did not disappoint! Labudovski bagged a goal and assisted on another while Tommy added an insurance goal to secure full points. However, it may have been the physical Katic who was most impressive playing center defensive midfield in a 4-5-1 formation.
"He won tackles, headers and moved the ball well," explained midfielder Jason Kutney, "Niko played really well."
The Riverhounds have another weekend off before hosting Bermuda on Thursday, June 11th and then Richmond the following Sunday evening, June 14th.
"He won tackles, headers and moved the ball well," explained midfielder Jason Kutney, "Niko played really well."
The Riverhounds have another weekend off before hosting Bermuda on Thursday, June 11th and then Richmond the following Sunday evening, June 14th.
City Islanders Scored A 3-0 Win Last Weekend In Harrisburg
official Riverhounds press release
Last weekend, the Harrisburg City Islanders jumped on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds early, and came away with a 3-0 win. Saturday night, the Hounds look for some revenge, as they host Harrisburg in a United Soccer Leagues Second Division match at Chartiers Valley Stadium in suburban Pittsburgh. Kickoff time is 7:05 p.m.
The loss last Saturday at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island in Harrisburg was Pittsburgh’s first defeat of the season. The Riverhounds are now 1-1-2 (5-points). Harrisburg is 2-1-1 (7-points) and in a three-way tie for first place with Wilmington and Crystal Palace Baltimore.
The Hounds paid dearly for a giveaway when the City Islanders converted that turnover into a Chad Severs penalty kick in the 36th minute. Pittsburgh goalkeeper Zach Varga was red carded going after the ball on the breakaway and the Hounds subsequently played a man down for much of the match.
Severs scored his second goal in the 44th minute off a cross from Mo Odour.
The City Islanders went up 3-0 when Tivi Shipalane scored in the 59th minute. Jason Pelletier assisted.
Harrisburg’s Jason Massie was ejected in the 74th minute, evening the sides, but it was too late for Pittsburgh.
After the match against Harrisburg, Pittsburgh will play back-to-back USL-2 games at Charlotte and Wilmington on May 29th and 30th.
official Riverhounds press release
Last weekend, the Harrisburg City Islanders jumped on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds early, and came away with a 3-0 win. Saturday night, the Hounds look for some revenge, as they host Harrisburg in a United Soccer Leagues Second Division match at Chartiers Valley Stadium in suburban Pittsburgh. Kickoff time is 7:05 p.m.
The loss last Saturday at the Skyline Sports Complex on City Island in Harrisburg was Pittsburgh’s first defeat of the season. The Riverhounds are now 1-1-2 (5-points). Harrisburg is 2-1-1 (7-points) and in a three-way tie for first place with Wilmington and Crystal Palace Baltimore.
The Hounds paid dearly for a giveaway when the City Islanders converted that turnover into a Chad Severs penalty kick in the 36th minute. Pittsburgh goalkeeper Zach Varga was red carded going after the ball on the breakaway and the Hounds subsequently played a man down for much of the match.
Severs scored his second goal in the 44th minute off a cross from Mo Odour.
The City Islanders went up 3-0 when Tivi Shipalane scored in the 59th minute. Jason Pelletier assisted.
Harrisburg’s Jason Massie was ejected in the 74th minute, evening the sides, but it was too late for Pittsburgh.
After the match against Harrisburg, Pittsburgh will play back-to-back USL-2 games at Charlotte and Wilmington on May 29th and 30th.
Early season success continued this past weekend in Richmond. The Kickers opened up the scoring in the first half to take the lead. Former filthy Cleveland scum forward Randolph Jerome put home a rebound to tie the game at one (with performances like that, and the backing of Super Jason Kutney, we may have to actually give the guy a chance to represent the black and blue).
Chris Riley, doing his best Caugherty impression, drew a straight red after going studs up on a tackle early in the second half. Down a man for 40+ minutes, the Riverhounds were able to stymie the Richmond attack in the sweltering heat. Another gutsy performance on the road and another point towards a playoff birth. COME ON YOU HOUNDS !!!
The PRFC and the Steel Army will 'welcome' the Real Maryland Monarchs to Chartiers Valley next Saturday May 2nd @ 7:05. We'll be meeting at the Radisson Greentree starting around 3pm for drink specials and pregame festivities. The Radisson will provide a shuttle to and from the game for 5 bucks and will also be selling discounted tickets.
Chris Riley, doing his best Caugherty impression, drew a straight red after going studs up on a tackle early in the second half. Down a man for 40+ minutes, the Riverhounds were able to stymie the Richmond attack in the sweltering heat. Another gutsy performance on the road and another point towards a playoff birth. COME ON YOU HOUNDS !!!
The PRFC and the Steel Army will 'welcome' the Real Maryland Monarchs to Chartiers Valley next Saturday May 2nd @ 7:05. We'll be meeting at the Radisson Greentree starting around 3pm for drink specials and pregame festivities. The Radisson will provide a shuttle to and from the game for 5 bucks and will also be selling discounted tickets.
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have seen a sudden swing of fortunes with 3 dramatic wins at home! Riverhounds' foward Boyzzz Khumalo finds himself as Man-of-the-Weekend after tallying 3 goals in two days.
It was all about Boyzzz on Saturday evening when the South African forward put two into the net against the visiting Bermuda Hogges. The night ended with a clean sheet for Riverhounds keeper Zach Varga while Boyzzz tallied the points for the Hounds' second win of the season.
Hitting the field again just 24 hours later, Riverhounds midfielder Jason Kutney put one into the Crystal Palace net in the waining moments of the first half. Fellow midfielder Travis Mackenzie got the assist.
The visiting Crystal Palace Baltimore supporters finally got something to cheer about in the 72nd minute when Palace drew even with the Hounds. Their celebration was extremely short lived when Boyzzz scored unassisted as the clock ticked into the 73rd minute. Thanks to some diving saves from Hounds keeper Andy Keszler, the team was able to stay on top and brought home 6 much-needed points for the weekend!
It was all about Boyzzz on Saturday evening when the South African forward put two into the net against the visiting Bermuda Hogges. The night ended with a clean sheet for Riverhounds keeper Zach Varga while Boyzzz tallied the points for the Hounds' second win of the season.
Hitting the field again just 24 hours later, Riverhounds midfielder Jason Kutney put one into the Crystal Palace net in the waining moments of the first half. Fellow midfielder Travis Mackenzie got the assist.
The visiting Crystal Palace Baltimore supporters finally got something to cheer about in the 72nd minute when Palace drew even with the Hounds. Their celebration was extremely short lived when Boyzzz scored unassisted as the clock ticked into the 73rd minute. Thanks to some diving saves from Hounds keeper Andy Keszler, the team was able to stay on top and brought home 6 much-needed points for the weekend!
The misery continues for the Hounds and their supporters. Another game, more squandered opportunities and another red card. The Riverhounds FC dropped a 3-1 contest to the Richmond Kickers this past Saturday in front of 2,487 fans at the University of Richmond.
According to one Richmond supporter, the Hounds "showed up" to play this game; taking early control and out-shooting the Kickers 8-4 in the first half. Boyzzz Khumalo was again a stud on the pitch, hitting the post in the first half and then scoring to tie the game early in the second.
The Kickers were awarded a PK in the second half and converted to take a 2-1 lead. They added a late goal after Travis MacKenzie was sent off with a straight red after an apparent foul away from the play.
According to one Richmond supporter, the Hounds "showed up" to play this game; taking early control and out-shooting the Kickers 8-4 in the first half. Boyzzz Khumalo was again a stud on the pitch, hitting the post in the first half and then scoring to tie the game early in the second.
The Kickers were awarded a PK in the second half and converted to take a 2-1 lead. They added a late goal after Travis MacKenzie was sent off with a straight red after an apparent foul away from the play.
It took some time, but the Hounds were finally able to break a tough winless streak and get a victory last Saturday against Western Mass. The game was a totally domination; the only aspect where the Hounds did not excel was putting the ball in the net. 22 shots on goal resulted in only 2 goals with about 10 that went just wide or just over the crossbar. The game could have easily ended with 7 or 8 tallies. Alas, we had to settle for a beautiful Jean Jerome header off a cross and another PK from Justin Evans. There were a few 'fireworks' for the fans in attendance as Western Mass decided to goon-it-up in the 85th minute. Evans promptly knocked the crap out of 'ole number thirteen; both players being ejected. After the game ended, the Steel Army kept the drums beating while the Hounds thanked the fans in attendance. It was good to get that first win at home.
Zach Varga, who made six saves to preserve the clean sheet, was named to the USL's Second Division Team of the Week along with defender Greg Janicki, who setup the Hound's first tally.
The Hounds are on their way to Richmond for a Saturday night match up. The club will be without Evans and Eddie Hayden as each serve one game bans. Newly signed Hounds' defender Cody Bragg will step into the backline. Ryan Zabinski earned a start on the wing opposite Jason Kutney with Travis MacKenzie dropping back into the midfield to replace Evans. Boyzzz Khumalo, Jerome and Leon Browne will split time at forward.
On top of it all, the Steel Army's own V-Money (Valerie) won the First Annual Riverhounds Chili Cook-off contest that was held before the Western Mass game. Her secret ingredient is rumored to have been imported from Argentina!
Zach Varga, who made six saves to preserve the clean sheet, was named to the USL's Second Division Team of the Week along with defender Greg Janicki, who setup the Hound's first tally.
The Hounds are on their way to Richmond for a Saturday night match up. The club will be without Evans and Eddie Hayden as each serve one game bans. Newly signed Hounds' defender Cody Bragg will step into the backline. Ryan Zabinski earned a start on the wing opposite Jason Kutney with Travis MacKenzie dropping back into the midfield to replace Evans. Boyzzz Khumalo, Jerome and Leon Browne will split time at forward.
On top of it all, the Steel Army's own V-Money (Valerie) won the First Annual Riverhounds Chili Cook-off contest that was held before the Western Mass game. Her secret ingredient is rumored to have been imported from Argentina!
It was an impressive performance by the Hounds. From the opening seconds the Hounds attacked the Eagles and created chances. The Hounds out-shot Charlotte 11-6 in the first half but couldn't put one in the back of the net. The Eagles were awarded a penalty kick when keeper Phil Marfuggi took out Robert Ssejjemba, who was coming in alone on a breakaway. Dustin Swineheart scored to give the Eagles the lead. Still, the Hounds could not be broken!
Nine minutes into the second half, Jason Kutney roofed a shot over the Charlotte keeper and into the upper corner of the net, tying the game at one. Then, in the 65th Pittsburgh took the lead when Jean-Robbins Jerome scored on a free kick from 30 yards out. Jerome bent it like Beckham, over the Eagles wall and into the net.
The rest of the game featured end to end action that saw the Eagles get the equalizer. All things considered, the Hounds played probably their best game of the season and attacked from start to finish.
UP THE HOUNDS !!!
Nine minutes into the second half, Jason Kutney roofed a shot over the Charlotte keeper and into the upper corner of the net, tying the game at one. Then, in the 65th Pittsburgh took the lead when Jean-Robbins Jerome scored on a free kick from 30 yards out. Jerome bent it like Beckham, over the Eagles wall and into the net.
The rest of the game featured end to end action that saw the Eagles get the equalizer. All things considered, the Hounds played probably their best game of the season and attacked from start to finish.
UP THE HOUNDS !!!
A match happened. The Hounds lost.
ON TO BALTIMORE AND BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES!
More to come about Cleveland!
ON TO BALTIMORE AND BACK-TO-BACK VICTORIES!
More to come about Cleveland!
It was a chilly night at The Valley as we draped the Steel Army banner over the railing and formed up behind it. We were twenty strong for the Hounds final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Panthers, not bad for the low 40s and drizzle. With beer-in-belly we eagerly anticipated the contest.
From the opening whistle the Hounds controlled the pace of the game and locked down the midfield. Pitt couldn’t muster an attack as the Hounds kept up the pressure. The back four, led by Nathan Salsi, was solid. Jason Kutney was able to continually push up the right wing and stretch Pitt’s midfield. Ryan “The Korean Express” Caugherty completely shut down the middle and set up many of the Hounds attacks. Jeff “Kentucky” Hughes played a strong game serving up balls to our forwards. Thabiso “Boyzzz” Khumalo was all over the pitch; the guy is lightning quick and has a soft first touch. Our forwards kept up their pace as the Pitt defenders started to tire. The Hounds were able to muster some good scoring chances but Pitt’s keepers were up to the task. At one point Leon Browne broke in alone, forcing the Pitt keeper to charge off his line and make a diving stop. Jean Robens Jerome floated the rebound towards the empty net only to have Pitt’s keeper scramble back and deflect the ball over the crossbar. It was a tremendous save and kept the game scoreless going into the half.
Travis “T-Mac” MacKenzie finally put the home team ahead in the 65th minute when he slotted one past the keeper for his first goal of the pre-season.
In the 78th minute the fans that braved the elements were rewarded with an amazing tally. T-Mac cut down the flank and crossed the ball into the box. With all the confidence of a world-class striker, “Bad, Bad” Leon Browne bicycled up and drilled the rock into the back of the net. The crowd, speechless at first, went insane after they realized what they had just witnessed…pure quality! The Steel Army bellowed out the “Bad, Bad Leon Browne” chant, much to the amusement of the Hounds players and staff. This was already Leon’s 3rd goal of the campaign.
Riverhound’s keepers Andy Keszler and Zach Varga didn’t see too much action but stopped everything that came their way.
After the game the Army marched over to our local hangout, the Bottleshop Café, to enjoy the scenery and toss a few more down. Next week we invade Cleveland. May God have mercy on their souls!
