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Cincinnati Kings drop 3-2 contest at Pittsburgh

July 26, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cincinnati Kings News Release


WASHINGTON, Pa--A disputed Pittsburgh goal and a disqualified player were too much for the Cincinnati Kings to overcome on the road, as they lost 3-2 to the Riverhounds in Tuesday night United Soccer Leagues action.

Pittsburgh took a 1-0 lead into halftime when forward Evoud Thompson scored in the 37th minute on an assist from David Flavius. The Kings argued that Thompson had used his hands to put the ball in the net, but after a discussion by the referees, the goal was allowed. The Kings' John McGinlay argued the goal so vigorously, he was red carded and tossed out of the game.

In the second half the Riverhounds scored the next two goals, in the 51st minute by David Flavius and in the 79th on a breakaway by Reggie Koranteng to make it 3-0.

To jump start his offensive attack, Kings Coach Jon Pickup changed strategy and pulled out his defensive line to insert offensive players Jeff Hughes, George Kithas, Travis Sobers and Jon Caldwell. The move finally paid off in the 86th minute when Kithas scored off a penalty kick to make it 3-1, Pittsburgh. A minute later the Kings made it 3-2 when Abdul Lubega scored from the top of the box. Cincinnati had the chance to tie it in extra time, but a shot by Moussa Dagnogo was stopped in goal.

"We were dominated for 85 minutes," admitted Pickup. "We have to regroup and find the attitude and effort we had in the first half of the season."

The Kings had 12 shots on goal to Pittsburgh's 12, and Cincinnati goalie Matt Gibson had three saves to Pittsburgh's seven.

Cincinnati's record now stands at 6-6-5 in the USL Second Division, and 2-2 for the season against Pittsburgh, while the Riverhounds are now 5-8-2. The Kings stay on the road for games Saturday at New Hampshire and August 6 at Harrisburg before they come home August 13 to close out their inaugural season against Northern Virginia at 7:30 p.m. at the Xavier University Soccer Complex.

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