Friday, April 6, 2012
NORTH SOUND, Antigua – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds took victory in the opening game of the 2012 USL PRO season as Mike Seth's goal earned a 1-0 win against Antigua Barracuda FC at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday night.
In a game where Antigua enjoyed the lion-share of possession and had more chances, the Barracudas would certainly consider themselves unfortunate not to have come away with at least a share of the spoils, but the Riverhounds defended well, especially late to preserve their victory.
Both teams came out in the first half trying to feel each other out and the game ebbed and flowed with moderate tempo with the 'Cudas having the better of the ball possession. Shots at goal were rare in the first half with both sides defending stoutly, but a handball by Riverhounds defender Sterling Flunder in the penalty area presented the first real chance of the night for the home team to go in front.
The crowd assembled were all expecting a goal when Peter Byers stepped forward to take the penalty, but were left holding their heads when the shot was well saved by Riverhounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap in the 35th minute. Six minutes later, the home team was made to pay for their shortcomings in front of goal when from a Pittsburgh corner from Richie Costanzo, the diving attempt by Antigua goalkeeper Molvin James was not enough to prevent Seth scoring the first goal of the USL PRO season.
Antigua responded resolutely with a powerful shot by striker Byers striking the right post, but that proved to be the last chance of the first half and the Riverhounds were able to maintain their lead at the break.
The Barracudas came out with more urgency upon the resumption, lifting their tempo, but they could not penetrate the Riverhounds defense. Once again they had the better of the ball possession and looked the more dangerous side but just could not put away their chances.
Coach Tom Curtis brought in Kerry Skepple in the 60th minute to give the team some impetus up front. Two minutes later a counter attack, led by Byers, resulted in another close call for the visitors as the shot ended up in the side netting. Antigua missed out on another opportunity with 15 minutes to play as Stefan Smith hit the left post upright. Then, with time winding down, the Riverhounds were able to thwart Antigua's late efforts for an equalizer, first clearing a chance off the line before Gilstrap made a fine save to preserve the victory.
The teams return to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon for the second match of the weekend doubleheader. Pittsburgh will relish the chance to leave paradise with two victories, while the Barracudas will want desperately to draw level to give their fans something to shout about.