There was a moment in the game at Real Maryland this past weekend that I realized how important the acquisition of Hunter Gilstrap was for this club. There was a cross, there was a shot and there was an unbelievable save. The ensuing scramble saw the rebound pushed wide. The Steel Army collectively let out our breath and I remembered muttering, "last year that's a goal". I had the opportunity to talk to Hunter's dad at halftime and listened to the incredible journey that took him from Cleveland to South Africa and then back to the states in less than a year. Apparently things starting out great, but ended in a nightmarish scenario better suited for a Hollywood screenplay. Long story short, and with a little luck on our end, Hunter ended up with us in Pittsburgh. We were not his first choice, but he's very happy to be here and looking to make a big contribution.

The global soccer culture is finally reaching our shores, much to the delight of soccer fans such as myself! One of the first things we did after the formation of the Steel Army was to design and appropriate scarves of our own. Our scarves are bold and unique. People instantly recognize that we support the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Football Club when they see them draped across our shoulders.

There are more kids playing soccer in the United States than any other sport, hands down. Youth academies and organizations are preparing our youngsters at the earliest of ages and represent the essential building blocks for the sport on a national level. There is no better way to show pride in your organization than to display the traditional supporter’s scarf.

Ruffneck Wear, based in Seattle, is a company whose mission is to help the traditional soccer culture take root in the US. They accomplish this by providing a complete package of services to supply a number of soccer clubs, youth organizations, soccer based charities and supporter groups with high-quality scarves, which can be sold as a way to raise money, distributed as a means of advertisement or awarded as an act of recognition.

The Steel Army picked Ruffneck Wear because of their sound reputation, low prices and great customer service. If you are interested in carrying on this tradition within your organization, contact Jeff McIntyre at Ruffneck and mention the Steel Army. We know Jeff well and he’ll work with you on a design and price that will be mutually beneficial to both parties. You can contact Jeff by email at jeff@ruffneckwear.com or by checking out their website (link at the top of the site).