Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
PITTSBURGH -- Following a two-week break from USL PRO action, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds return to league play this Thursday as they host the Charleston Battery at Chartiers Valley Stadium. The Riverhounds and Battery met in late April at Blackbaud Stadium, with the Battery receiving a goal in the ninth minute from Nicki Paterson to give the home side a 1-0 victory. This week’s game is slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
With the break from league play, maintaining a competitive training environment has been the focus for Head Coach Justin Evans.
“Competitive training sessions that encourage players to make quick decisions when on top of the ball is relative to the game,” said Evans. “Keeping the squad accountable in training, especially during a break in match play, is extremely beneficial.”
Riverhounds Last Time Out
In their last outing on May 18th, the Riverhounds drew 1-1 with the Richmond Kickers. In his first professional game, Jamaican international Dawyne ‘Ricky’ Smith recorded the Riverhounds' lone goal in the closing seconds of the first half. The Kickers would equalize in the 71st minute of play when Matt Delicate headed home a bouncing ball inside the Riverhounds penalty area. Throughout the remainder of the game, both teams exchanged quality opportunities to try and earn all three points, but neither side could find the game-winning strike.
Battery Last Time Out
In their last USL PRO contest this past Saturday, the Battery wasted little time in jumping on top of the Los Angeles Blues at Blackbaud Stadium. A goal in the 14th minute was all the home side needed to defeat the Blues 1-0. A set piece delivery from Jose Cuevas towards the penalty spot found the head of Colin Falvey for the game’s only goal, moving the Battery to sole possession of third place in the USL PRO standings.
The Battery subsequently fell 3-0 to the New York Red Bulls in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium as Kenny Cooper, Heath Pearce and Connor Lade each found the back of the net for the MLS side.
Tickets for Thursday’s game are $6 for Youth General Admission and $9 for Adult General Admission, and can be purchased by calling into the Riverhounds office at (412) 539-1191 or at the ticket gates on game day.