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Hounds Fall in Carolinas

Posted by espo On 11:25 AM 0 comments

The Riverhounds lost both games over the weekend, ending their three game unbeaten streak. Despite the loses there were some positives that I'd like to elaborate on a bit. Chad Severs scored his first goal as a member of the club. Chad is a proven scorer in this league, tallying 34 times in four seasons split between Harrisburg and Rochester. We need him to find his form if we're to compete with the better clubs this season. The Hounds also singed play-maker Lee Kouadio, who made his debut this weekend. He's a 22 year old attacking player from the Ivory Coast who can play at both forward and midfield. Lee setup Severs goal in Friday's loss at Charlotte and should help our struggling offense. Lastly, rookie Jeremy Deighton scored his first professional goal vs Charleston.

Looking to settle the score, the Hounds host Charleston this Friday night at Chartiers Valley, 7pm kickoff. The Japan Association of Greater Pittsburgh will be on hand to honor the Hound's Shintaro Hirada. The Steel Army and the Riverhounds also welcome Jeff McIntyre and Erin O'Brien from Ruffneck scarves. Jeff will award the Steel Army Supporters 2009 Player of the Year Award on our behalf. The weather should be fantastic so come on out and support the boys!

Unleash the Hounds!

chad severs, Shintaro, steel army |

Don't Panic !!!

Posted by espo On 4:27 PM 1 comments

Awesome news brewing from a few of the Steel Army boys...check it out over at Don't Panic Radio

The one and only Ben Cole will be hosting a bi-weekly show.

Possible weekly football show in the mix as well.

An incredible variety of streaming music to get you through the day.

Looks like we've got our flagship station!

steel army |

The Mind of an Imp

Posted by espo On 9:57 AM 2 comments

Lincoln City, the Red Imps...the team I love to start a game of 'manager mode' on FIFA and take em' from the depths of League Two to the very top of Europe! Since then I've been a passive follower of City, and to my surprise, it looks like I've found my English counterpart! Steelerimp is a friend and Steel Army brother who found the Riverhounds via his love for our other "foot" ball team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Check out his blog for a good read: The Mind of an Imp

steel army |

E-Terview: Justin Evans

Posted by espo On 3:08 PM 0 comments

I recently caught up with the Hounds' new gaffer, Justin Evans. So far the club hasn't been able to find a win, but they've also conceded just a single goal and haven't lost in three contests! I know that he's got a lot on his plate right now, so I sincerely appreciate the time he took to answer a few questions. Enjoy!

With the 2nd division expanding and the 3rd division (USL2) retracting, what, if anything, has this done to the talent level that you expect to face on the pitch?

I expect that this summer will be the best talent across the board that we have seen in the USL-2 in years! Great time to start your coaching career…when we win the Championship this year that will look favorably on the entire Riverhounds Organization.

Being in a division which features four teams who've had recent success in the USL, what are your expectations for the Hounds in 2010?

I expect us to compete in every game this summer. I will demand that the players come to every training session and improve their game. I expect us to win the USL-2 Championship!

Many MLS teams place a priority on league play over the US Open Cup, often fielding reserve players in the early rounds. With the Cup being a potential pathway to the CONCACAF Champion's League, how much of a priority will the US Open Cup be for the Hounds?

It is massive…as I told the players on the team in our first ever meeting, I don’t want players who want to stay and play in the USL-2…I want players who want to play at the highest level of soccer that they can. As a player you think that you will be able to play forever…I am here to tell you that is not true. So, if we can do well as a team against those higher division teams that will be good for the players on the Hounds.

Last year the Hounds seemed to play a defensive, counter-attacking game. Do you have a favored formation or style that you'd like to employ?

I think that we will have to adopt different formations and styles of play throughout the season. It will be challenging because we will have two games in as many nights on the road with travel in between, we will play on grass fields, turf fields, big fields, small fields…you get the picture.

You seem like a hands-on kind of guy! Being only one year removed from playing, how difficult will it be to manage the team from the touchline as opposed to being on the pitch?

I imagine that it will continue to be hard, as I can no longer directly affect the game with my play, rather now just with substitutions. I will still be running around with the team in practice, and helping individual players with things that I see in their game which may need some help…but I am not getting any younger!

How do you see some of the new acquisitions fitting in with the Hounds, in particular, Severs, Shintaro and Gilstrap?

Chad has been a proven goal scorer in this league for years now and after struggling to score for a couple of years, I think Chad is a very good addition to this year’s squad.

Shintaro is a player that I have played against for the past two years, I did not like playing against him because he is very busy and plays with a good bite. So, I expect the same from him when he dons the Riverhounds logo. I brought him in to fill the role that I played on the team for the past two seasons and I know that he is capable of doing it.

We have lacked a true #1 GK for the past couple of years and that hurt us. Hunter is the man! He trains hard every day and is a true professional.

You seem to have more than a few guys capable of playing in the middle this season. How will that competition help the team as a whole?

I think that competition will breed success in everything that we will do, and I want us to play with fire. So, if guys are competing for their jobs everyday when they show up for training, this will make it a good environment. I have also changed the pay structure of the team for this year…all contracts have a base salary but, have a bonus structure as well which involves being in the game day 18 and the team winning as a whole.

Where do you see the strength of this team? The backline, the midfield, the forwards or between the sticks?

I think that we will be strong all over the field. As I just stated, I think that our strength will have to come from our willingness to compete in every game…because I believe it will be a very tight league.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I would just like to get my first season as a professional coach under my belt and we can discuss the future in the future. It is an honor to be named Head Coach, but it is also something that I will not take lightly in any area. It is a massive challenge and one that I am very excited to meet head on!

Does it make any difference to the players, both the Hounds and your opponents, to have the support of the Steel Army?

I think that it is huge to have the support of the Steel Army! Others may have their own stadiums and such, but when the Steel Army is drumming and humming their songs and chants, there is nothing like it in this league for sure!! I think that it is a bonus for the Hounds to have THE BEST supporters group in the USL-2. Thanks guys!

Gilstrap and Kutney Honored

Posted by espo On 3:20 PM 0 comments

Hunter Gilstrap and Jason Kutney were recognized for their heroics during a scoreless draw this past weekend as both players were named to the USL Second Division Team of the Week.

USL2 Week 1 Team Honors

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.

Jason Kutney continues to star for this club, both in the front office and on the pitch. During the contest on Saturday, Jason continually shut down the Monarchs' long-ball and flanking attacks. He also flashed his class by springing forward Chad Severs with a pinpoint pass through the heart of Maryland's defense. In my humble opinion, Kutney is the driving force behind the entire Riverhounds organization. Jason was honored with the Steel Army Supporters 2008 Player of the Year award last season, presented by Ruffneck Scarves.

Congratulations boys, and thank you for the result in Maryland. UNLEASH THE HOUNDS!

gilstrap, kutney, ruffneck, steel army |

We Support the ACB

Posted by espo On 4:33 PM 0 comments

In light of recent events surrounding the Angel City Brigade (LA Galaxy supporters and good guys) and our partnership with Ruffneck Scarves, we in the Steel Army are boycotting all Home Depot stores in the greater Pittsburgh area. If you need lumber, go to Lowes, it's better anyways.

Here is the full story from our boys in LA.

ruffneck, steel army |

Pittsburgh Soccer in the Community

Posted by espo On 11:52 AM 0 comments

Through soccer I've been fortunate to have met some solid individuals over the past few years. One common thing binds everyone together; our passion for the beautiful game. Not many have shown as much passion as James Meara, co-president of Pittsburgh Soccer in the Community (www.pittsburghsoccer.org/). James and his partner, Mark Taylor, have partnered with several local organizations to bring soccer to over 500 kids who otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to discover the game. Summer and winter camps take kids from neighborhoods such as East Liberty, Homestead and Hazelwood and give them the opportunity to learn and play soccer in a safe and caring environment. However, it doesn't end there. James and Mark then bring in some of Pittsburgh's finest to talk to the kids about life, responsibility and respect. These "lifestyle" sessions are just as important as giving the kids a chance to experience the beautiful game. The program is sponsored and supported by the Mayor's Office, Project Weed and Seed, PNC Bank, UPMC and many other charitable donations. Last summer, the Bayer Foundation teamed up with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to bring some of James' kids out to a game (www.riverhounds.com/home/361028.html). This past Saturday evening I talked my wife into attending the 5th Annual Fundraiser with me, hosted by the James Gallery located in Pittsburgh's West End. It was a great event with all proceeds going to fund next year's programs and camps. Hearing some of the kid's stories from James and Mark was the highlight of the evening and I was glad to have been able to contribute to such a wonderful cause on behalf of the Steel Army.

25 and Counting !!

Posted by espo On 5:29 PM 0 comments

Had a chance to rap with my ace Whitehall about the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Outlaws...rather than rehash what he had to say, I asked him to write up a little something for the blog...enjoy!

Hello all you fine Footie fans, my name is Brandon, but you can call me
Whitehall. I am a member of the glorious Steel Army and the leader of the
American Outlaws here in wonderful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have the
privilege of getting to share my thoughts with you good people, and today I am gonna tell you all a little story about the birth of the US Supporter's group here in my home town.

"The meaning of footie"
Ya know that feeling of friendship, brotherhood, and camaraderie that you happen to find in life some days? That sense that when you are with these people that you are one of them, and that you are part of a family and that they are the most important people to you at this very moment? To me, that is what it is like to be a member of the Steel Army and the American Outlaws. When I walk down the path past all the other bleachers and end up in our section at CVHS, I know that I am home and that my spot is waiting for me. When I walk into Piper's Pub and take my seat, and people walk up to say hi and talk about the game or to say thank you for inviting them to join the AO the feeling is the same. It is these two families that make soccer so important to me, and these are two groups of people that I will do anything for.

"First you were a Hooligan, and now your an Outlaw?? Whats going on???"
So...you may be asking, why in the heck is he talking about the Steel Army? Shouldn't he be talking about the Outlaws? Well, every journey has to start somewhere and my love of soccer really started when I joined the Steel Army and learned what it is like to be part of a soccer supporters group. As the Steel Army grew we decided to expand our focus and start supporting the USMNT, and thanks to the experiences of one member, we decided to partner with the American Outlaws. I won't bore you with the dramas and insanities of finding a home, (though a few Lavlaughlins might loosen my tongue), but we settled down at Piper's Pub and I can truly say that we are home. Drew takes good care of us, and I will be damn proud when we can present him with the banner of an official American Outlaws chapter.

"Ya, almost at twenty-five, just a few more, just a few more!"
So, to be an official American Outlaws chapter, we needed to acquire a band of brothers at least 25 strong, and I am so proud to say that we have met that mark, and are petitioning for official chapter status with the national organization. Once we get that, we will bet set! Fame, Glory, Free Stuff!!!!!!! And since people have upped the ante by supporting this venture to full status, that means I need to do more on my part. So watch for more fun to come. We are already organizing a road trip to the US vs Costa Rica match on October 14th, looking into chapter specific cups and shirts and other fun stuff, and maybe even an indoor team for the fall season. And this is just what we have accomplished in the first four months... imagine where we could be at the end of the first year!

So....thank ya for a few moments o' your precious time and I hope
to see you and yours at the next meeting of the AO to cheer the US onto
victory!

American Outlaws, steel army, USMNT |

E-terview: Manager Gene Klein

Posted by espo On 2:51 PM 0 comments

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.

Great Wall is ISA

Posted by espo On 1:54 PM 0 comments

The picture tells the story...thank you Dyson!

steel army |

Jerome Heads Home

Posted by espo On 11:09 AM 0 comments

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.

This Is Our Team

Posted by espo On 10:30 AM 0 comments

Tomorrow we'll be in Harrisburg for what is shaping up as a pivotal game as the Hounds prepare for their season-ending home stand. Things have been bit depressing lately with the lack of on-field results and very little off-field news. I mentioned this to Jason Kutney in an email and got the following from him in return...

To The Army,
Well, here we are. It's July of 2009, and we're in a similar situation as we
were last year.....a few wins out from the playoffs. Our advantage this year is
pretty clear: we have 5 home games in a row to finish the season.
It seems like years since we've played at CV, but we're just 1 game away from
the return.
Thinking back on last season, there was a moment that catapulted us toward
the playoff run - Harrisburg. Of my moments as a pro, I will never forget the
run to the corner, celebrating Justin's goal. I will also never forget the toast
at Molly Brannigans that night. That night made the Riverhounds organization an
organization. Until then, we were just efforts and hope glued together by
financing.
I know as a supporter, the past year and a half have been tough. As a player,
they have been tough. As an owner, they have been tough. As a player/owner who
loves the Army, they have been very tough.
Each day I show up to work, I am faced with a variety of challenges from
financial constraints to planning on how to get out of a high school stadium to
how to properly evolve our youth academy to how to finish all the work in time
to get to practice. Scott Gibson, Justin Evans, and I show up at 8am to start
our work day, then train our youth players each and every day for an average of
4.5 hours, then get back to work, and then leave for our own training. During
that time, I sort out two separate companies, trying to elevate both to new
levels. We shed the tired skin every afternoon in order to perform at training.
As professionals, it is expected that we will perform, no matter what we did
during the rest of the day. And we do so.
We have others working full time jobs, like Nate Salsi and Cody Bragg, who
turn on the jets in the evenings to do the same. We do so as the nucleus of the
team. We do so because we love what the team represents. We do so because of the
Army.
My work will transform over the next few months, as we embark on a mission to
make a significant impact on soccer in western pennsylvania. The love and
respect for all that the Army provides is in that project. There is a brighter
future in that project - hopefully we can all enjoy it together.
But for now, here we are again. It's July 2009 and we're in a similar
situation as we were last year....a few wins out from the playoffs. If there are
7 of you in Harrisburg or 70, you are the Steel Army and we play for you. You
each work and support families and make sacrifices in order to turn on the jets
when supporting us. If we are to move forward into a brighter future, we need
each other. It has to start back up again, in Harrisburg. It is not EPL, it's not
La Liga, it's not MLS, its your team.
Let's get points and pints from here on out!
Thanks for all that you do and will do.
Kutney

When it Rains...

Posted by espo On 11:56 AM 4 comments

After the presentation of the Steel Army's 2008 Player of the Year award, things turned dismal at the Valley this past Saturday evening. A slow first half ended with the City Islanders taking a one goal lead. At the half, the skies opened up forcing fans into the bowels of the stadium. Sensing the mood and wariness of the drenched populace, the Steel Army began chanting, singing and dancing; transforming the place into a carnival! The fans came out for the second half in good spirits, but the tying goal never materialized as Harrisburg kept up the pressure. The Hounds did not link up well and appeared uninspired for long stretches during the match. Some blame the recent two game slide on tactical changes while others point to a lack of player focus. Personally, I felt like midfielder Justin Evans was receiving the ball too deep in our own end to start the attack, which sputtered before reaching the final third. Whatever the reason, manager Gene Klein will need to find a way to right the ship heading into a two week break from action before the Hounds make the dreaded Charlotte/Wilmington road trip.

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 |

OPERATION RUFFNECK

Posted by espo On 11:46 AM 0 comments

When: May 16th, 2009 3pm EST - ???
Where: Greentree Radisson
Why: cause we'll be raising hell and supporting the boys

Drink specials...$3 Miller Lite drafts and something special from Carlsberg

Free Hors D'oeuvres, $5 shuttle to/from the Valley for the game

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.

Football, Fútbol, Soccer…Worldwide Culture and Tradition: The Scarf

Posted by espo On 5:56 PM 2 comments

Since the turn of the century, when the phenomenon began in Britain, colored scarves have been traditional supporter wear for fans of soccer clubs around the world. These scarves come in a wide variety of sizes, are made in a club's particular colors and may contain the club crest or various slogans relating to the history of the club. After the ball, the supporter’s scarf is the most recognizable symbol of the sport and is proudly worn as a badge of honor.

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).

ruffneck, soccer, steel army |

Year in Review Part 2: Exploits of the army.

Posted by TwoHalves On 3:03 PM 1 comments

So as promised I will review the Harrisburg as I remember it. For me it really started with trying to get as many people to take the trip across the state as possible. What at one point looked like an army of 20 or so going to the state capital to watch the hounds take on the City Islanders, dwindled down to around 5 just days before the trip. Keep in mind this was a wednesday night game so work was the main reason many of us couldn't make it, but that isn't an excuse. The Army should always come before work, just ask Keystone. Anyways the 5 grew to about 12 just before the trip and it was exciting to know the army would have a strong voice in Harrisburg.

When game day arrived Myself Yan and Maria make the long car trip to Harrisburg without many bumps along the way. When we arrived at the bar however, it was clear that MJ, Beef Espo and Keystone had wasted no time in starting the pre-game.

After a few drinks the rest of us were just about ready to take over Harrisburg as well. Then in true Steel Army fashion, Tim limps in on crutches just hours after having surgery on his leg. Naturally he is quickly given a seat and a pint, taking his rightful place as a Steel Army Legend.

As we crossed the bridge and made our way to the stadium, I was very impressed with the size of the crowd that was filling into the gates. Although Harrisburg has no orginized support the soccer moms and soccer kids come out in full force. Other stadium highlights have to include; mocking a girl who decided to wear a Leeds United shirt, drinking Troeggs for 3 dollars, and recieving dirty looks from half of Alabama... err I mean Harrisburg. It was during halftime that BEEF and Espo discovered that nobody was stopping them from taking the USL 2 Trophy, which was sitting on the edge of the snack shack.

Thankfully the 'ammer and Magpie in BEEF and Espo didn't get the best of them and the cops were not needed. In the second half we broke out the more offensive songs such as "Oh Harrisburg is full of scum" and "Alabama in the Middle" naturally the locals weren't too happy with us but it was hard to tell as they weren't making any noise. After T-mac's header gave us the win, we stormed the field with Pittsburgh flags and Hound's blue and white, much to the shagrin of Islander fans, especially those who are looking to get some orginized support for the next year.

After the match we went back to the bar and drank with the players, in what I felt was a classy and honest way for them to show us how much they appreciated our support during the season.

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!!!!"

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!

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