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Riverhawks Ground Patriots

May 12, 2003 - A-League (A-League)
Cincinnati Riverhawks News Release


(Cincinnati, OH) – The Cincinnati Riverhawks (3-2-0) beat the El Paso Patriots (1-2-1) Saturday 3-0 in a very physical match. Three Riverhawks players scored and backup goal keeper Matt Reiswerg stepped in for injured Eric Pattison to make 12 saves and record a shutout, the third for the Riverhawks.

"This was not our best performance," said coach Nick Ranieri. "It was very humid and some of our starters were out injured or just coming off injury. The fact that we won shows our substitutes and not starters are very strong. El Paso was doing everything they could to stop us, including cheap shots and diving."

The Riverhawks attacked the Patriots right from the start and had many scoring chances. Forward Marcel Matis struck first for the Hawks in the 10th minute. Midfielder Edward Child followed up with his second goal of the season in the 26th minute. Forward Salvatore Piraine scored the final goal, his second of the season, in the 83rd minute.

"All three goals were beautiful," commented Ranieri. "Our player of the match was Allen Eller who played great in the middle and deserves a big thank you. He had one assist and should have had a goal as well. Joe Morelli and Salvatore both had great games coming off the bench. Even though we won, we can play better though. Unless we change our tactics, we can be a scoring machine."

This win lifts the Riverhawks into sole possession of first place in the Central Division.

The Riverhawks next game is against the Indiana Blast in Indianapolis on May 16. Ranieri believes the Blast will come out charged and ready to prove they are better with their new players.

"Our big game will be Sunday," said Ranieri.

The Riverhawks play their next home game Sunday May 18 at 4:05 against the Minnesota Thunder. This is an important game because it is the second leg of the Hawks qualifying round in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"We want to try to advance to second round, which is something we have never done," said Ranieri. "We will try whatever it takes. A big advantage is that Minnesota will be coming straight from their game against Indiana, so they will not be as well rested."

When the Thunder play the Hawks, it will be their third game in five days. They play Wednesday in Milwaukee, then Saturday at Indiana before coming to Cincinnati.

As an A-League premier team and part of the United Soccer Leagues, the Cincinnati Riverhawks enter its sixth season in 2003. For tickets and general team information call (513) 326-GOAL or visit www.riverhawks.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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