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VSI Fall to Pittsburgh

August 3, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release


Tampa, Fla - VSI Tampa Bay fell 2-1 to the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds in Plant City Stadium Friday evening.

After a forty-five minute delay in starting the game, both teams took the field for a pressure filled match. VSI Tampa Bay, holding the eighth and final playoff spot, proved to be all the motivation Pittsburgh needed to propel them past VSI Tampa Bay.

The action started early as VSI Tampa Bay was able to penetrate through great combination between Chad Burt and Sal Bundu, only to have the Pittsburgh defense hold firm. As the possession continued, JT Noone managed to slip by his defender and find Tony Donatelli 25 yards out, only to see his left footed shot narrowly miss the Pittsburgh goal.

Pittsburgh countered in the first half from incredible individual play by league leading goal scorer Angulo, only to have VSI keeper Alex Horwath calmly make the save. The opening goal happened in a flurry as VSI was able to pin the Riverhounds into their box. In the midst of the heavy traffic, VSI midfielder Tony Donatelli confidently put the home side up 1-0 by finishing low into the corner.

With a crucial three points on the line, Pittsburgh proved why they are in the playoff race. With extremely determined efforts and at top pace the Riverhounds unleashed a relentless attack that saw a first time finish from Rob Vincent in the 58th minute as he hit the upper ninety of Horwath's goal, equalizing the game. Sticking with the same strategy, Pittsburg would gain the lead after a properly weighted pass found Richard Costanzo in stride on the right flank. A great bit of individual skill allowed an opening for what would prove to beat Horwath in the lower right hand corner to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

VSI Tampa Bay gave their full attention to getting the equalizer the rest of the match. A free kick from substitute Mauricio Salles deflected just high to allow a corner. The corner from JT Noone reached the head of Rife, only to see the ball sail over the crossbar. The home side would throw the extra attacker forward to try and find the equalizer, only to see the Pittsburg defense stand strong and earn the much needed three points on the road.

VSI Tampa Bay will return to Plant City Stadium Sunday night at 7 PM to host Orlando City (12-2-6) in search of three crucial points as the playoff race tightens with only a few games left in the regular season.

Tickets are available online at www.vsi-fc.com, or at the Plant City Stadium ticket window on game day.

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