Steel Army: riverhounds

Showing posts with label riverhounds. Show all posts

Pittsburgh Riverhounds to Join USL PRO

Posted by espo On 2:10 PM 0 comments

released by the Riverhounds Director of Public Relations

Pittsburgh, PA – October 22, 2010- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are proud to announce their participation in USL PRO for the 2011 Season. United Soccer Leagues will combine teams from the its First and Second Divisions to form USL PRO, the strongest professional soccer league in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean outside of Major League Soccer.

USL PRO will introduce regional divisions through the merger of many storied franchises in the United States and the evolution of new franchises throughout North America. USL is anticipating as many as four regions, comprised of as many as 20 teams, creating highly competitive matches and natural regional rivalries to bolster the league’s allure. Additional franchises participating in USL PRO for the 2011 season will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

“The Riverhounds built an impressive amount of momentum both on and off the field in 2010, and we’re looking forward to them adding to their recent success in USL PRO,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Justin Evans has built a formidable squad that should be a force to contend with in 2011 and beyond.”

USL PRO will feature a Board of Governors responsible for making all major decisions for the league including expansion, competition format and commercial strategy. The U.S. Soccer Federation-affiliated league will benefit from the leadership of the dedicated and experienced professional staff at USL's Tampa headquarters as well as the developmental support of USL's proven and integrated system of leagues.

The Riverhounds are coming off their best season since 2006 by landing a third-place finish in the USL Second Division and a berth into the coveted post season. The Riverhounds were led by first-year Head Coach Justin Evans during the 2010 campaign and matured into the ever present Pittsburgh cliché of a hard-working, blue-collar squad. The Riverhounds owned the stingiest defense in the Second Division and walked away with three post-season awards including Defensive Player of the Year (Shintaro Harada), Goalkeeper of the Year (Hunter Gilstrap), and Rookie of the Year (Jeremy Deighton).

The Riverhounds broke onto the Professional scene in 1999 while participating in USL’s A-League. The inaugural season landed the Riverhounds a conference semi-final berth followed by a quarter-final appearance in 2001. The Riverhounds joined the USL Second Division in 2004, appearing in the semi-finals three out of the next six seasons. In 2006, the Riverhounds were purchased by the Greentree SportsPlex Ownership Group and took a one-year hiatus the following season. Since the change of ownership, the Riverhounds have ascended the USL professional ranks to once again become a contender.

Justin Evans, riverhounds, USL |

USL-PRO: Impact on the Hounds

Posted by espo On 3:22 PM 0 comments

It's been a very busy week for USL CEO Alec Papadakis. Owners meetings took place in Tampa and a major announcement was released: Designed to help ensure the long-term stability of professional soccer in North America, United Soccer Leagues announced the merger of its First and Second Divisions into a single league property for 2011 - USL PRO.

I can confirm that the Hounds will indeed take part in the USL-PRO 2011 season. At this time, we're not sure which division we'll compete in, but a good bet is a North Eastern division consisting of teams such as Harrisburg and Rochester. It is possible that we will end up in a Midwest division with Dayton, but that is not likely.

After reading the press release, talking to a few of my contacts and scouring the net, I have come to the conclusion that this is very good news for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club. The goal of the restructure is to bring long term stability to the league by reducing franchise operation costs and developing regional rivalries.

Playing games within a smaller geographical area will allow the Riverhounds to reduce their travel expenses by a significant amount. More games against neighboring clubs may help draw fans and allow travelling supporters to attend more road contests. If a club such as Cleveland re-emerged, the Hounds would have a natural rivalry to market! There is potential here and as a supporter this is right up my alley.

The inclusion of stable clubs like Rochester and expansion clubs located in larger markets will generate increased league exposure and benefit the smaller clubs. What does this mean? Well, in terms of exposure, we could see the Hounds on Fox Soccer Channel sometime in 2011. In 2010, FSC included a USL Game of the Week and hosted USL Breakaway, a weekly highlight show. Both should continue next season. Also, if the rumors are true and a team in or near New York City begins play in 2011, that would undoubtedly present opportunity. Adding the largest television market in the United States would give the league (and clubs) greater negotiating leverage and additional exposure, which could lead to increased revenue.

Yes, it is still speculation at this point but it's positive and attainable.

After a very successful 2010 campaign under gaffer Justin Evans, the Riverhounds will no doubt carry over their winning attitude, pride and passion to compete in the new league versus potential new clubs. UNLEASH THE HOUNDS!!!

A Cut from Kut

Posted by espo On 2:18 PM 1 comments

Hey guys...got an email from Jason Kutney today. He asked me to pass this on to the Steel Army and any other supporters who showed up this season to cheer on the boys. 2010 was a fantastic season where we made great strides on and off the pitch. Enjoy!

On behalf of the Riverhounds Pro Team and Front Office, I would like to extend a sincere "thank you" to the Army members who came out to support the Hounds through a crazy ride!

As happens with young, rebuilding teams, it takes time to gel. This was certainly the case with the 2010 Hounds, but thanks to the efforts of Justin, Rotz, and Gene, as a Coaching Staff, we absolutely found the right formula.

It was great to see such a young group of players come to understand the professional game under the direction of the Coaches and the Veteran players. I certainly spent much more time this year explaining life at the pro level to various rookies and I know Salsi, Shintaro, Travis, Pierce, and Hunter did the same. By the middle of the season, a bond formed that would keep us close through the final bus ride.

Obviously we're all disappointed in our match on Saturday. We didn't do enough to win, and Richmond, as a veteran team, took advantage of the situation. But as we reflect on the seaon, we take many positives with us.

Our Pro Team is a winner - its proven now. The heart, the passion, and the skill all combined to land us in a deserved 3rd Place. Our Academy has grown and allowed us to attract and sign the players to reach this level.

That Academy is now considered the top technical training program in Western Pa, and we're very proud of that. We have young stars coming through the pipeline, and its a pleasure to see the support we receive from these families on gameday! The money from all of these programs goes DIRECTLY back into the pro team. Our majority owner is one of the most selfless individuals I have ever met. He supports what we all support - the Club first! We are making headway toward an outdoor complex!

So, 2010 has been a marked improvement. As we look forward to 2011, we will be working hard to improve. We have a long way to go!

Personally, I know there have been ups and downs with the Army support, but I cannot stress enough how much I owe you all for your continued support. I started this and I want to see this through. I want nothing more than to look each and every one of you in the eyes when we cut the tape on a new stadium. I have dealt with a back injury that is certainly something I have to take seriously. I am going for testing very soon and will need to respect the doctor's recommendations. My on-field work will never end until it has to. I love the game and cannot live without it. I hope to play in front of the Army again, and I will work my ass off to make sure I'm fit and ready. As Justin knows, the top 11 play. I fight like everyone else to be in the top 11.

As for the Army, I hope 2011 shows a return of the 12th Man! The return of what all other USL Clubs grew to hate!

All the Right Moves...

Posted by espo On 10:39 AM 0 comments

He came in with little public fanfare, save a few dozen die-hard Riverhounds supporters who were happy to see local Pittsburgh native Justin Evans replace Gene Klein as manager. He promised us a winning attitude and accountability on the field, a tough task for a club that missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Many were skeptical, and as most of Pittsburgh forgot about soccer for the winter, Evans began to assemble the backbone of the 2010 squad.

In were Chad Severs (F), Travis MacKenzie (M) and Shintaro Harada (CB). Three players with pedigree and experience. Three players who were slated to make an immediate impact. As the season drew closer more pieces were added. Alex Weekes (M/F) was signed and Hunter Gilstrap (GK) joined the squad. Evans was instrumental in recruiting both players to bolster the club. Gilstrap added stability on the goal line while Weekes provided youthful talent. Rookie Jeremy Deighton (F) made the squad after impressing during the pre-season, leading the team in goals. After the season got underway, Justin further adjusted the roster by bringing in Lee Kouadio-Tobey (F) and Matt Tuttle (M). Both players have an attacking flare. Lee brought pace and the ability to run at defenders while Matt provides shiftiness and creativity on the wing. Free-agent additions Sterling Flunder (D) and Lou Rolko (D) were able to wrestle starting spots from fan-favorites Eddie Hayden and Nathan Salsi. Rookie midfielders Adam Gazda and Matt Baker have both provided depth and skill off the bench. In fact, only two members of the 2009 starting XI still hold their spots on the pitch.

The personnel moves and team selection may not have always been popular with fans and supporters, but the results cannot be questioned. The Hounds sit in 3rd place with four games remaining. With three of those at home the Riverhounds control their own post-season fate.

I've heard Evans described as arrogant, abrasive and overly confident. Perhaps that's just what we needed: an arrogant SOB with a blue-collar attitude to come in and not only overhaul the roster, but change the team mentality. The Hounds play with confidence and the belief that they're the better team. It's made the difference between losing a tough road game and salvaging a point. Getting a big home win instead of settling for a draw. Those positive results are pushing the club in the standings and demanding respect off the field.

Just this past week, the Post Gazette ran a decent story on the Hounds and updates from the Charlotte game were aired on local sports radio 93.7 The Fan. When the Riverhounds win, the media cannot ignore the club. Above all else, we love a winning team here in Pittsburgh. Look no further than manager Justin Evans as the primary reason for the Riverhounds recent success.

UNLEASH THE HOUNDS!

Great Time to be a Soccer Fan in Pittsburgh

Posted by espo On 9:33 AM 0 comments

As a Pittsburgh native and avid sports fan, summers tend to be the proverbial off-season. Normally marked by the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, continuing through another disappointing Pirates campaign and ending with Steelers preseason. Most people find the time to take in a few ballgames (for the fireworks and bands), speculate on who the Steelers will play as the third CB in the nickel or work on their golf game. However, there is a niche group of fanatical supporters who absolutely love this time of the year...the soccer fan. This hidden sub-culture is slowly growing and gaining momentum, sprouting up in local pubs, around our very own professional franchise, traveling to other cities to take in games and appearing on grass fields all over Western Pennsylvania.

Let me break down the next few weeks:

Sunday June 6th - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds (our previously mentioned professional franchise) travel south to battle Real Maryland. The Hounds are coming off an impressive road win at Richmond, the defending USL2 Champions. The Hounds are lead by first year manager and local soccer legend Justin Evans.

Friday June 11th - The Hounds travel to Harrisburg to play the City Islanders in the Pennsylvania derby. This will be the first meeting between the two clubs in 2010. Over the winter, the Hounds splashed the cash to sign the Islander's leading scorer, Chad Servers. Those involved don't wish to comment publicly, but bad blood remains. This game will be a war.

Saturday June 12th - Team USA takes on England in World Cup group play. It will be the first game for both teams and their first World Cup meeting since the US upset the juggernaut back in 1950. The 3-Lions look for revenge while the US is out to make a statement.

Sunday June 13th - The Tartan Devils Football Club defends their home turf at 1pm. The living legend, Super Mac, leads the heroes of Piper's Pub who play at Founders field, a beautiful pitch hidden off of SR 910 in Indianola. This is soccer in it's purest form...a bunch of 30+ year old men simply playing for the love of the game.

Tuesday June 15th - The Riverhounds host Detroit United at Chartiers Valley High School in the opening round of the US Open Cup. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest sports tournament in the history of the United States. Amateur and professional soccer clubs battle through qualifying rounds and tournament play for the chance to lift the cup. This is a truly unique tournament where the smallest of pub or ethnic teams have the chance to play the biggest MLS clubs.

Friday June 18th - The US national team takes on Slovenia in World Cup group action. A win vs Slovenia could help propel the US into the knockout round.

Alongside these games, Pittsburgh is home to several pickup leagues where both men and women get the chance to pull on some boots and show off their skills. Check out the Pittsburgh Pick-up Soccer Group for times and locations!

There are a number of ways to get involved. Mentioned above, if you have a passion to play check out a local league or contact PISA. If you love to watch live action, check out one of the many local pub teams or catch a Riverhounds game where the physicality and pace of play might just surprise you. Show up at one of the many World Cup viewing parties to support the United States as they take on England. A few of the places and events can be found here.

Once you've been bitten by the footy-bug...check out our local supporters groups, the Steel Army who support the Riverhounds and the American Outlaws who follow the US national team.

Then, as summer begins to come to a close, catch the best Premier League action every Saturday and Sunday morning down at Piper's Pub. There is nothing quite like pounding an Irish breakfast and watching Newcastle United on the hallowed grounds of St. James' Park live and in HD.

We are the vocal minority. We are the counter culture of the Pittsburgh sports fan. Soccer fans unite!

Alex Weekes Making Noise

Posted by espo On 9:29 PM 0 comments

Earlier this year, newly appointed manager Justin Evans went down to the USL combine in Charleston looking for some talent. He came away with a possible gem in Weekes. We've only heard a few things here and there but by all accounts the kid tore up the combine flashing skill as a holding mid. He looked dangerous as a midfielder in the preseason, helping the Riverhounds go undefeated. However, it was his ability to play as a forward that turned heads in 2008 at the collegiate level. In the midst of a goal scoring drought, his coaches played him up front and he never looked back. Despite Alex showcasing his midfield skills early on, and the Hounds mired in a bit of an offensive slump themselves, it looks like Evans may be going back to what's worked in the past. Weekes started at forward alongside sniper Chad Severs this past weekend when the Hounds hosted the Richmond. The game ended in another draw. Tthe Hounds remain undefeated despite looking for their first victory of the 2010 campaign.

Check out this article from the Pocono Record to learn a bit about the kid.

There's Only One Justin Evans!

Posted by espo On 1:13 PM 0 comments

Justin Evans named to the USL2 All-League Team
from http://www.riverhounds.com/

Justin Evans, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds stellar midfielder, has been named to the United Soccer Leagues Second Division 2009 All-League Team. It is the second consecutive season that Evans, a native of Venetia and a graduate of Peters Township High School has been so recognized. Not only did Evans enjoy another great year on the pitch, he also helped Gene Klein coach the side in his first season as an assistant. Justin was the first player ever signed during the Hounds’ inaugural year (1999). This season, he was joined by Tenywa "T-Bone" Bonseu as the only original Riverhounds on the current roster.

One of the league’s toughest competitors, Evans was second in the USL-2 in fouls in 2009 with 31 in 18-matches. In fact, he was forced to sit out of the Hounds’ season finale due to foul accumulation.

Evans was named to the USL-2’s All-League Second Team for 2008 as well, when he scored four goals and chipped in with 2 assists for a total of 10-points; second only in goals and points to Thabiso "Boyzzz" Khumalo who is now with D.C. United of Major League Soccer. He logged 1,194 minutes in 15 of the Hounds’ 20 regular season games in ’08.

Previously, Justin spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes, Chicago Fire and Dallas Burn all of MLS. Before turning pro, Evans was a standout at Penn State University. After his first stint in Pittsburgh, Justin played in Poland’s First Division. He jumped between MLS, Europe, and the USL’s former A-League (now the USL First Division) spending time with the Riverhounds and the Charleston Battery. Evans also played indoor soccer for Cleveland, and most recently, Kansas City.

Justin Evans, riverhounds |

Can we make the 2009 Playoffs?

Posted by espo On 11:21 AM 0 comments

Okay, it's along shot for sure, but here is what needs to go down:

First and foremost, we need all 6 points from our last two games. We're currently sitting on 19 points and that would leave us with 25. That's a big improvement over last season's 18 points!

Real Maryland, 23 pts, can only tie one of their two remaining games. They play at home vs Bermuda and then close out in Wilmington. We need a strong performance from the Pigs! If Real ties both games they also have 25 points.

Crystal Palace, 22 pts, plays at Harrisburg tonight. If they lose or tie and we best them next week, we'll leapfrog them in the standings.

Western Ass, 20 pts, host Harrisburg on Wednesday and close out on the road vs the Eagles. I can see them dropping both, but for us to pass them they can only win one of those games, preferably vs Citah.

We could potentially tie the Eagles with 25 points if we beat them this weekend and then they drop their last game vs Ass (not likely).

As far as tiebreakers in the USL2 go, here are the scenarios concerning the Hounds:

First tiebreaker is league wins. So, we'd own the tiebreaker over the Eagles with 7 wins to their 6. Real could also finish with 7 wins and 25 points. The next tiebreaker would be goal differential. We both sit at -8 so if they tie both and we win both, we trump them. If Crystal Palace end up with 25 points, they'd have an advantage with their -3 goal differential going into the last game of the season vs the Hounds...so, we'd really have to pound them!

Confused yet? It's actually not that difficult. We just worry about ourselves and let the soccer gods sort it all out in the end...

player notes: T-Bone is out with an injury. Sean Bucknor is probable at best. Zewe is nursing a bad ankle as well which could require off-season surgery. Look for Jason Kutney to move from fullback to the wing.

bucknor, Harrisburg, kutney, riverhounds, T-Bone, USL |

2008 Steel Army Player of the Year Award...

Posted by espo On 1:01 PM 0 comments

...will be presented before the kickoff on Saturday when the Hounds host Harrisburg at the Valley

The player of the year award is voted on and presented by the Steel Army Supporters Group, going to the player who not only exhibited on-field excellence in 2008, but has represented the Riverhounds organization well by communicating and working closely with the supporters

Harrisburg, riverhounds, steel army |

Hounds Steal Another on the Road

Posted by espo On 1:14 PM 1 comments

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.

Hungry For Success, Hounds Order a Second Helping of T-Bone

Posted by espo On 12:29 PM 0 comments

He’s played 87 regular season and 11 playoff games in the MLS (Major League Soccer) for Chicago, Columbus, Dallas and New York. He’s made 21 appearances for his native Uganda. But before all that, Tenywa ‘T-Bone’ Bonseu was a Riverhound. Tenywa joins midfielder Justin Evans as the second of the original Hounds to return to Pittsburgh ten years after their inaugural season.

The 6'1, 185-pound Ugandan international, know for his durability and versatility, is back to bolster an improved Hounds squad. T-Bone can deploy as a center-back, right-back or defensive midfielder which should give manager Gene Klein plenty of options. With returning stars Nathan Salsi and Eddie Hayden, along with newcomer Nikola Katic, the Riverhounds will field a group of physically imposing defenders. League forwards take note: the fee to play inside the box will be payable in blood.

UP THE HOUNDS!!!

Say Goodbye to The City Stars.

Posted by TwoHalves On 8:13 PM 0 comments

Today it was announced that the Cleveland City stars would be promoting to the USL1. In the Hound's first year back the City Stars were clearly our biggest rival, they have a supporters group about the size of the Steel Army, they were our closest road trip, and they are from CLEVELAND! It was a natural fit, but so it ends after only one year. Cleveland clearly got the best of it on the field taking all 9 points partly due to a heart breaking last second goal in the opener. In the stands however I would say that there were no losers as I'm sure the Green Army enjoyed the back and forth road trips as much as we did. Probobly a bit more given the results. That said I don't know what upsets me more, The fact that we lost everyones favorite rivalry, the fact that it's one less road trip for next year, or the fact that the Steel Army is now the only supporters group in the northern part of the USL. Hopefully Harrisburg can get thier act together and get some real support, although signs look promising that that the two maryland clubs may have some orginized support next year.
As for the Green Army I don't know what I'd think if I were them, on one hand you get to go into a bigger and better league, and you will get to see a few away games on national TV, (ahem FSC) also you'd get a few more home games, but on the downside the only away game that is a drivable distance is Rochester, rather than having half the league within distance of a day trip as you do with the USL2. Also keep in mind that the majority of the Green Army's support is college or High School age, so Portland and Miami are most likely out of the question. On top of that I'm sure a few of the Green Army Bhoys will miss the banter and back and forth chanting that the rivalry created.
Speaking of missing rivalries it's unfortunate that the biggest supporters group rivalries in both the USL1 and USL2 will dissappear in the same season, as Seattle becomes part of the MLS leaving the 'ole Portland Timbers behind, Cleveland Pittsburgh had that honor in USL2 (DUH!!!) So where does this leave the USL2? It looks like the USL2 will go from being a 10 team league to a 9 team league with rumors of Indy joining the league sometime in the future to again push it to ten. The rivalry based scheduling from last season will have to be adjusted, also every American team in the league will qualify automatically for the US Open Cup. (If you remember the Hounds just made the tournament last year by avoiding a last place standing on the arbitrary day that the qualifying was to end.) If the Indianapolis rumors are true then the league will have ten teams again soon, but before you get too excited there were rumors of a canadian team in the USL2 a few months ago and I haven't heard anything of that since. If your a fan of the City stars I suppose it's a good day, if your a fan of the rivalry it's a sad one, and as for the Steel Army we still hate Cleveland City which is about the highest honor that we can bestow on another team.
I leave you with a song...

"And it's no nay never, no nay never no more, cause we'll play Cleveland Shitty, no nay never no more!!!!"

3 in a row at home!

Posted by MJ On 11:06 AM 0 comments

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!

boyzzz, kutney, Match Report, riverhounds |

Match Report: Hounds Drop Another on the Road

Posted by espo On 12:01 PM 0 comments

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.

Riverhounds FC Bags First League Victory...Travel to Richmond

Posted by espo On 11:34 AM 0 comments

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!

Intimidation: Ryan Caugherty

Posted by espo On 1:04 PM 0 comments

10 games played and a league leading 22 fouls committed. Ryan Caugherty, central defensive midfielder for the Riverhounds FC, has been terrorizing the opposition all season.

It’s been a strange transformation for a player who’s been an offensive force. In 2005, the Kansas City Wizards selected Ryan with the 47th pick in the MLS Supplemental draft, but he choose to play overseas. He signed with Boldklubben 1909, a Danish football club playing in the 2nd division. In front of the Odense supporters, he made an immediate impact taking Man of the Match in his first five starts. He ended the 2005 season with 11 goals in 31 games where he also spent time with Boldklubben 1913.

In 2006 he signed on with Swedish club Bodens BK and suffered a career-threatening ankle injury. After a remarkable recovery, he ended the season with 5 goals in only ten games.

So when a player of his caliber has no goals in 10 games you have to wonder what’s been going on. Out of need, he has taken on more of a defensive role with the Hounds this season.

He’s changed from an attacking player into a defensive beast. Running down loose balls, challenging forwards, distributing the ball from the back half of the pitch and shutting down the opposition’s passing lanes have become his forte. You can compare his game to that of New England’s stellar defensive midfielder Shalrie Joseph.

Ryan has been the ultimate team player this year for the Hounds; swapping goal-scoring glory for a hardhat and lunch pail. More importantly, he’s sending a painful message to the league’s forwards…

Caugherty has been tagged ‘The Korean Assassin’ by the Steel Army faithful.

Pro Honors: Boyzzz Khumalo

Posted by espo On 10:07 AM 0 comments

Thabiso "Boyzzz" Khumalo was named to the USL Second Division's Team of the Week for the second time this season. Boyzzz was instrumental in both games last weekend. He controlled the pace and pushed the attack, recording 5 shots against Charlotte as the Hounds tied the first place club, and then added a goal and assist versus Wilmington the next night.

Match Report: Hounds Tie First Place Eagles on the Road

Posted by espo On 12:20 PM 0 comments

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 !!!

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup...Hounds travel to Chicago

Posted by espo On 1:38 PM 1 comments

The U.S. Open Cup, the national championship of the United States, began in 1914 and is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports. Modeled after England's famous FA Cup, the Open Cup is open to all senior division teams, amateur and professional registered with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

The oldest trophy in the United States team sports history was donated to the American Amateur Football Association in 1912 by Sir Thomas R. Dewar, a British distiller, sportsman and philanthropist during a AAFA (now known as United States Amateur Soccer Association) visit to London prior to the 1912 Olympics.

Courtesy of www.soccerhall.org

Past US Open Cup champions from Pittsburgh include:

Pittsburgh Gallatin - 1942
Pittsburgh Morgan SC - 1949

Pittsburgh Hamarville - 1952, 1956

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds, undefeated at home this season, nabbed the last qualification spot allocated to the USL’s second division.

It’s been a tough start to the 2008 campaign. The Hounds have been racking up frequent flyer miles and AAA mileage points by the thousands and things won’t get any easier as they gear up for a trip to Chicago to take on the historic AAC Eagles. The opening contest will take place on June 10th.

Although the Eagles play in the lower USASA (United States Adult Soccer Association) league, they are not to be taken lightly. The Eagles won this tournament in 1990 and have outscored their last two league opponents by 17 goals. They are a club rich in Polish tradition and have been competing in the Chicago area since 1940.

The Riverhounds, led by skipper Nathan Salsi, are going to have to find a way to slow down the high-powered Eagle’s attack. Manager Gene Klien will call on the midfielders to keep possession and control the pace of the match. Boyzzz Khumalo should be able to use his speed as an advantage to create scoring chances from the wing. Leon and Travis should both get plenty of looks inside the box.

If the Hounds advance, they will play the winner of a first round match up between the Cleveland City Stars and the Michigan Bucks on June 24th.

Wanted: Home Cookin'

Posted by espo On 12:58 PM 1 comments

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC is still searching for a victory after coming up empty in Bermuda. It’s been a difficult start to the season as the Hounds lost another one goal contest on the road. We now sit at 0-4-2 and in danger of missing out on US Open Cup qualification. The opener in Cleveland, the game a few weeks ago at Real Maryland and this past Thursday’s contest in Western Mass have all seen the Riverhounds outplay their opponents only to come away with a draw or loss. We just cannot seem to get a timely stop or a big goal to earn all three points.

So, what’s up Hounds? Are we tired and unfit? Are we looking for more creativity in the attack? Do we have holes to fill in the back line? Are the team’s tactics in need of another look? Personally, I feel like all these things are going to sort themselves out with some good, old-fashioned home cookin’!

Nine out of the final eleven contests will be played at home in the Valley. I expect the boys to turn their bad luck around and start getting the results that they’ve earned. Playing in front of the home crowd and on a familiar pitch will make a world of difference. Our guys feed off the energy of the fans and that’ll be just enough to help them put some balls in the back of the net! The Steel Army will be out in force and ‘The Yard’ will be a bastion of support.

However, things won’t get any easier in the meantime. We travel to Cleveland on the 24th and then to the Carolinas for back-to-back games at Charlotte and Wilmington.

Circle June 14th on your calendars; that’s when the Hounds come home to eat!

pittsburgh riverhounds, riverhounds |

Followers