Hounds and Louisville City to Meet for First Time

April 17, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release

PITTSBURGH (April 17, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds return to USL action at Highmark Stadium Sunday for the club's first meeting with expansion side Louisville City.

The Hounds (1-1-1, 4 points) are seeking to build on last week's tie at Saint Louis F.C. that featured some inspired goalkeeping from Ryan Thompson and a first goal for the club for Brazilian forward Vini Dantas.

Louisville (1-0-2, 5 points) has put together a solid start under rookie head coach James O'Connor. The former Stoke City and Orlando City midfielder led his team to a historic opening day victory over Saint Louis before picking up points against the Richmond Kickers and Rochester Rhinos.

"There is a lot of height and strength on the Louisville team as well as midfield creativity," said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens.

"Hopefully we've put together an effective plan to overcome them."

Steffens has a few injury concerns leading into the weekend. Dantas tweaked a hip flexor at Saint Louis while defender Fejiro Okiomah limped off in the first half with a strained quad muscle. Both players are expected to retain their starting roles.

Max Touloute's availability is less certain. The Haitian forward is struggling with a swollen left knee.

Matt Dallman and Drew Russell remain sidelined. Dallman is expected to resume full training next week.

Steffens does have the option to include Guinean forward Amara Soumah in his 18-man game day selection after the former Cal State Fullerton player was formally registered with U.S. Soccer earlier this week. Soumah started for the Hounds in the recent scrimmage wins over the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Francis University.

Tickets for Sunday's game are still available. Visit Riverhounds.com for details or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a ticket representative.

United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 17, 2015

• Switchbacks Win 2nd Match - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
• OKC Energy FC Hosts Seattle Sounders 2 at Taft Stadium - OKC Energy FC
• LA Galaxy II Return to StubHub Center for Match against Austin Aztex - LA Galaxy II
• Battery, United Put Perfect Starts on Line in Week 5 - USL
• Sounders FC 2 Adds Forward Oalex Anderson - Tacoma Defiance
• Richmond United Academy Players Called Up - Richmond Kickers
• OC Blues FC Match Preview: Blues Look to Get a Second Win at Home - Orange County SC
• Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Portland Timbers 2 - Sacramento Republic FC
• Hounds and Louisville City to Meet for First Time - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
• Preview: STL FC Welcomes Rhinos to Soccer Park - Saint Louis FC
• Roughnecks Claim Historic First Win - FC Tulsa

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