Cup Fever Hits Pittsburgh as Hounds Face Rowdies, Islanders
May 26, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH (May 26, 2015) - Highmark Stadium is set for a busy week of cup action both on and off the field as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' season ramps up and Europe's soccer competitions come to a close.
The Hounds host the storied Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League Wednesday night in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. All tickets for the game are on sale for $5.
Harrisburg City Islanders travel to Highmark Stadium Saturday for the second installment of this season's Keystone Derby Cup series. Kickoff is also at 7 p.m. The Hounds opened their USL campaign with a 5-2 win over their Pennsylvania rivals in Pittsburgh on March 28.
Visit Riverhounds.com for ticket details or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a representative.
Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens has a few injury concerns to contend with this week. Jamaican national team goalkeeper Ryan Thompson battled through back pains during last Saturday's 2-1 win at the Richmond Kickers that lifted the Hounds into the USL playoff spots with a 3-3-3 record (12 points) and sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Thompson will likely be rested for the U.S. Open Cup game against his former Tampa Bay colleagues.
Calle Brown will be back in contention for the starting goalkeeper spot after recovering from a knee problem. Midfielder Seth C'deBaca is also set to return from a recent knee injury.
Defender Fejiro Okiomah and Brazilian forward Vini Dantas are edging closer to full fitness after their respective hamstring and groin injuries. The duo will likely be in contention for Saturday's game day roster against the Islanders (4-2-1, 13 points).
Special events
Highmark Stadium's sports bar will be hosting a special screening of England's F.A. Cup Final between Arsenal and Aston Villa on Saturday as part of the build-up to the Keystone Derby festivities. The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh soccer legend and former Villa player Paul Child will be in attendance. Fans will have the chance to win an autographed Riverhounds jersey, game tickets and other prizes while enjoying fish and chips and $4 beer specials on Carlsberg, Yuengling and Bud Light.
The Riverhounds also host the club's annual College Showcase this weekend with teams from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Illinois set to compete over three days. The Riverhounds U-17 girls' team kicks off the event against Allegheny Force F.C. on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.
PDL starts
Wednesday also marks the start of the Riverhounds' USL Premier Development League season with the Under-23 team hosting K-W United at 2 p.m.
The Highmark Stadium sports bar will be open during the afternoon. Fans can watch the Europa League Final between holders Sevilla and Ukraine's Dnipro from 2:45 p.m.
Beers will be $4 during the Europa League Final.
About the Riverhounds
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds began play in 1999 as a member of the United Soccer Leagues. Highmark Stadium, a privately financed 3,500-seat soccer facility overlooking Pittsburgh's downtown skyline, has served as the Riverhounds' home since 2013.
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