Hounds Back to League Business with Trip to Richmond
May 22, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH (May 22, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds return to league business Saturday night with a USL clash against the Richmond Kickers in Virginia. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Anthony Arena's headed equalizer earned Pittsburgh a 1-1 tie in last week's meeting between the teams at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds (2-3-3, eight points) sit one point beneath the Eastern Conference's playoff zone despite leading the division with 17 goals scored.
Defensive issues continue to trouble head coach Mark Steffens' side with another miscue leading to Brian Ownby's opener for Richmond last week. The Kickers (4-1-4, 16 points) sit third in the East and remain unbeaten at City Stadium through four home games this year.
"It's always difficult to play an opponent two games in a row," said Riverhounds assistant coach Josh Rife. "We played really well on Saturday and our guys should have a lot of confidence going into this weekend."
Hounds midfielder Kevin Kerr battles for possession with Richmond's George Davis IV during last weekend's tie at Highmark Stadium (Photo: Terry O'Neil / Riverhounds.com)
Further confidence can be gleaned from a first shutout of the season in Wednesday's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup second round game albeit against amateur opposition from the West Virginia Chaos. Goalkeeper Ryan Hulings marked his first professional start with a confident display as the Hounds wrapped up a 3-0 win to progress.
Hulings could see further action this weekend if regular starter Ryan Thompson does not fully shake off his recent back problem. Calle Brown made his pro debut in last weekend's tie. The former University of Virginia stopper tweaked a knee in training this week and will not travel to Richmond.
Defender Fejiro Okiomah and midfielder Seth C'deBaca remain sidelined with hamstring and knee injuries. Brazilian striker Vini Dantas will also miss out after suffering a groin strain.
Pittsburgh holds a 7-17-9 all-time record against the Kickers dating back to the Hounds' inaugural 1999 season. Richmond took four points from two league meetings at City Stadium last year.
Hounds fans can view Saturday's game live in the Highmark Stadium sports bar where the Steel Army will be hosting its regular Watch Party. Attendees can enjoy Yuengling, Carlsberg and Bud Light beers for $4.
A Riverhounds jersey signed by the first team players will also be raffled off during the evening.
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