Hounds Enter U.S. Open Cup against WV Chaos
May 19, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH (May 19, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds begin their 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign Wednesday night when the West Virginia Chaos visit Highmark Stadium in second round action. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Season tickets are valid for the game. All other tickets are on sale for $5. Click HERE to buy your ticket in advance or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a representative.
The Charleston-based Chaos earned a spot in the competition courtesy of winning the USL Premier Development League's South Atlantic Division last year. They marked their tournament debut with a 1-0 win over Fort Pitt Regiment last Wednesday in the first ever Open Cup game held in the Mountain State. English midfielder Daniel Smee notched the only goal after five minutes.
Riverhounds duo Rob Vincent and Sterling Flunder played for the West Virginians before signing professional contracts in Pittsburgh.
"The beauty of the Open Cup is that it gives smaller clubs an opportunity to be seen on a bigger stage than what they're used to," said Riverhounds assistant coach Josh Rife.
"It's a game that we feel we should win, but obviously you've got to go and play the game."
The Hounds enjoyed their longest cup run in the club's history last season. Home wins against the New York Red Bulls Under-23 side and Chicago amateurs RWB Adria set up a fourth round trip to Chicago Fire that was curtailed by adverse weather. The Major League Soccer franchise advanced to the last 16 courtesy of its 2-1 lead when the game was halted three minutes into the second half.
Wednesday's winner will progress to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the third round on May 27. The Hounds will host that game if they advance with ticket information being announced later this week.
Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, defender Fejiro Okiomah and midfielder Seth C'deBaca remain sidelined for the Hounds with their respective back, hamstring and knee injuries.
Brazilian forward Vini Dantas is also unavailable for midweek action after suffering a pulled groin.
Rookie Nick Kolarac is rated probable as he recovers from a knee problem.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 19, 2015
- Arizona United SC Signs Zak Downes and Jordan Rideout - Phoenix Rising FC
- Orange County Blues FC Face PSA Elite in Open Cup Matchup - Orange County SC
- Aztex Reignite Rivalry in U.S. Open Cup Match Versus Laredo Heat - Austin Aztex
- Real Monarchs Kick off Inaugural U.S. Open Cup Run on Wednesday - Real Monarchs
- Andy Craven's Two-Goal Performance Earns Him USL Team of the Week Spot for Week Nine - Tacoma Defiance
- Hounds Enter U.S. Open Cup against WV Chaos - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Ramirez Named to Team of the Week 9 - Orange County SC
- Arizona's Tan Named USL Player of the Week - USL
- Match Preview: Sacramento Republic FC vs Sonoma County Sol FC - Sacramento Republic FC
- Past Meets Present in the U.S. Open Cup - Saint Louis FC
- Rochester Enters 2015 U.S. Open Cup Wednesday Night - Rochester Rhinos
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