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 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

I recently caught up with Steel Army favorite, Jeff Hughes, and asked him about this past offseason…

Jeff kept his skills sharp and fitness level up by playing professionally for Cincinnati 1790, an indoor club that competes in the PASL-Pro league. He bagged 21 goals and added 6 assists in just 15 games. After a very successful expansion season, his club lost in the championship game to Stockport by a score of 13-5. He did score one of his team’s five in the loss, but it was little consolation.

“Indoor was great [because] it helped me get back into form after a not-so-great season last year and improved upon my speed of play and tackling…”

Hughes’ 2008 Riverhounds campaign was interrupted by knee surgery to repair some ligament damage. Although successful, the surgery put him on the sidelines for an extended period of time. He worked hard, stayed fit and was able to make it back on the pitch by the end of season.

This year brings a new challenge as the Hounds look to improve on their 7th place finish, which saw them fall just short of the USL2 playoffs.

“I’m having a solid pre-season…nothing to write home about but solid and getting back into the swing of things”

Good luck Mr. Hughes, the Army is behind you!