USL Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

Steffens Returns to Charlotte with Hounds

June 12, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release


PITTSBURGH (June 12, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds travel south down I-77 this weekend for a first meeting with the Charlotte Independence. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Saturday night at Eagle Field on the campus of Winthrop University.

Hounds head coach Mark Steffens returns to the city where he coached for 18 seasons with the Charlotte Eagles with his Pittsburgh team sitting fifth in the USL's Eastern Conference (4-3-4, 16 points) and defending a 6-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

The Independence joined USL this year after acquiring the league's franchise rights for Charlotte from the Eagles. Head coach Mike Jeffries has steered his team to a 2-4-3 record (nine points) from its opening nine games.

"It's a totally new organization in Charlotte so there's no rivalry between the teams yet," Steffens said. "It's going to be like any other game where we're just trying to get the three points.

"It will be fun to go back there though."

The Riverhounds' offense remains the most potent in USL with 26 goals in 11 games coming into the weekend. English midfielder Rob Vincent continues to lead the league in goals, goals-per-game, points and points-per-game with his haul of nine goals and four assists.

Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson is absent this weekend due to his national team commitments. The Reggae Boyz open their Copa America campaign Saturday against Uruguay in Chile.

Steffens has been in talks with Major League Soccer coaches this week in an effort to bring in an additional goalkeeper on a short-term loan while Thompson is unavailable. There could be a new face guarding the Hounds' net in Charlotte if an agreement can be reached.

Matt Dallman remains sidelined with a hip flexor injury that is expected to keep him out for another week. Rookie Amara Soumah will not travel after twisting an ankle in training Thursday. Brazilian forward Vini Dantas is also expected to stay home after missing most of the week through illness.

Former Columbus Crew forward Ryan Finley leads the Independence attack with three goals and an assist. Jorge Herrera has pitched in with two goals and two assists. The veteran Colombian playmaker is well known to the Hounds' coaching staff having played under Steffens for eight years at the Eagles.

Bilal Duckett and on-loan Colorado Rapids defender Ben Newnam also played under Steffens in Charlotte last year.

Fans can watch Saturday's game live on Riverhounds.com. There will not be a viewing party at the Highmark Stadium sports bar this weekend due to preparations for Sunday's Steve Miller Band concert.

Club Level and limited standing tickets are still available for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup clash with D.C. United at Highmark Stadium on June 17. Call the box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a representative regarding entry to the Club Level. Standing tickets can be purchased through the box office or via Ticketmaster.com.

Charlotte Independence vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Venue: Eagle Field at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C.

Date and Time: Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. EDT

Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.

Assistant Referees: Rick Rogers, Mark Buda

Fourth Official: TBD

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