Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds completed an encouraging first week of training camp on Sunday. During the opening seven days of camp, the Riverhounds won three exhibition games against Robert Morris University (3-0), Duquesne University (2-1) and the Rochester Rhinos (1-0), respectively.
The Riverhounds entered preseason with 15 players under contract and a pool of additional players on trial. The level of play in both training and exhibition games has been extremely intense and physical, with players battling for spots on the 2012 roster.
“We dubbed this preseason, ‘The Camp of Competition',” said Head Coach Justin Evans, who is beginning his third year at the helm. “We are constantly trying to create a competitive environment for the players, and we wanted to create that environment from the first day.”
This past Wednesday, the Riverhounds opened their preseason against Robert Morris University at Joe Walton Stadium. Each player in camp received 45 minutes of playing time to showcase their talents on the field. The Riverhounds received a first half goal from defender, Sterling Flunder, and two goals from trialist Darren Amoo to earn a 3-0 win over the Colonials.
A Friday night game against Duquesne University ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the Riverhounds. Following a scoreless first half, the Dukes scored the first goal of the match in the 60th minute to take the early lead off a defensive miscommunication for the Hounds. The Riverhounds drew even with the Dukes eight minutes later during the run of play. Dave Leon, a preseason trialist, reached the end line and served a left-footed cross to the back post which connected with the foot of Mike Seth, pictured, for the goal. Leon’s set piece delivery in the 83rd minute was again on target and found the head of fellow trialist Haggai Lebo to provide the Riverhounds with a deserved victory following a dominant second-half performance where they controlled the bulk of possession.
The first week of camp was highlighted by the Riverhounds exhibition game against the Rhinos, with nearly 1,000 fans out to support the home side on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Peters Township High School. Both the Riverhounds and Rhinos used the match to take a good, hard look at potential players for their 2012 USL PRO Campaign. The game was fast-paced from the opening whistle and continued that way for the first 15 minutes.
After the players settled into the tempo of the game, the Riverhounds received a quality entry ball from Shintaro Harada to trialist Dawyne “Ricky” Smith slashing across the Rhinos’ back line. Taking the ball in stride, Smith turned his marker inside-out and slid a low shot past the Rhinos goalkeeper to record the game-winning goal in the 26th minute. Each side would continue to press forward to create multiple chances in front of the goal, but neither side could convert on their opportunities.
The Riverhounds continue their preparations for the 2012 season with exhibitions over the course of this week. For a full listing of 2012 Preseason matches and locations, please visit the following link: www.riverhounds.com.