U.S. Open Cup Preview: at Erie Commodores FC
May 15, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC begins Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play tomorrow night, traveling north to face Erie Commodores FC at 7 p.m. at McConnell Family Stadium.
Entering its 105th year of existence, the Open Cup is the longest running competition in American soccer. The Hounds begin play in the second round, as is the standard for all USL teams, while Commodores FC advanced to the second stage thanks to a victory in PKs over the Rochester Lancers last week.
A live stream of the match is expected to be available through U.S. Soccer, while fans are also welcome to listen to Hounds play-by-play guy Matt Gajtka call the game live via a radio feed on the club's Facebook page. Check back at ussoccer.com for further information on the stream.
Additionally, updates will be available on the Hounds' Twitter page at @RiverhoundsSC.
KNOW THY ENEMY
A member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), Commodores FC is making its first-ever appearance in the Open Cup. The club was originally founded in 2009 and known as Erie Admirals FC before rebranding to Commodores FC in 2015. Though new to Open Cup competition, Commodores FC has helped develop several players to higher ranks stateside, ranging from USL to MLS.
Erie most recently finished first in its conference in 2017, and is led by first-year skipper Dale White. Commodores FC will kick off its 10th season in the NPSL on May 19.
NOTABLES
Tomorrow night will be the 26th match played all-time by the Hounds in the Open Cup. The club holds a 10-15 record overall, but has struggled the past two seasons, failing to advance out of the Second Round of play.
The tilt will mark only the fourth time the Hounds have played on the road in the Open Cup since the opening of Highmark Stadium in 2013. The picture on the road has been less than stellar, as the Hounds have lost all three of those matches compared to holding a 5-2 record on the Mon.
Overall, the Hounds would exorcise some considerable demons with a win in Erie, as the Black and Gold has not won on the road in Open Cup competition since 2008 against the A.A.C. Eagles in Lisle, Illinois - a current stretch of eight matches total.
The Hounds will return home to Highmark Stadium if victorious tomorrow night, facing the winner of Detroit City FC of the NPSL and conference-rival FC Cincinnati next Wednesday, May 23.
Of the current roster, Kay Banjo, Ben Fitzpatrick, Kevin Kerr and Romeo Parkes have previous experience playing in the Open Cup for the Hounds. Only Kerr's extends past last year's 3-1 defeat at Chicago FC United.
For more information and notes on the Hounds in Open Cup play, check out The Howler's breakdown here.UP NEXT
A busy stretch of play continues for the Hounds, as they return to league play and hit the road once again to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday, May 19. The match can be watched live on Pittsburgh's CW, while the club will also be hosting a watch party beginning at 6 p.m. at Smokin' Joe's Saloon in South Side.
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