Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Thursday, April 28, 2011
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The Riverhounds (1-1-0) travel to the Carolinas this weekend for a Friday night matchup against the Wilmington Hammerheads (1-0-0) and a Saturday night contest versus the 2010 USL-2 Champions, the Charleston Battery (2-1-0). The Hammerheads play at Legion Stadium while the Battery plays in the state-of-the-art Blackbaud Stadium. Both games are scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Last Time Out for the Riverhounds
The Riverhounds opened up their home season this past Saturday and recorded their first win of the year over in-state rival the Harrisburg City Islanders (0-1-0). The Keystone Derby did not disappoint, as the high paced and physical action kept everyone on the edge of their seats. An early second-half goal from Shintaro Harada was all the Riverhounds needed to secure the victory.
Last Time Out for the Hammerheads
The Hammerheads are coming off a bye week over the Easter weekend. Their home opener and first game in more than a year ended with a 1-0 victory against the Rochester Rhinos (1-1-0). Luke Mulholland’s individual effort landed the Hammerheads the game-winner in the 52nd minute.
Match Outlook
The Riverhounds will focus on building possession from the back to help support the attack. With central midfielders Harada and Sammy Appiah looking to control the pace of the game, Pittsburgh’s attack will start from the defensive third. Playing through the midfield and off target forward Jason Yeisley, the Riverhounds will look to overlap Yeisley and find the channels to balance out the attack.
The well-rested Hammerheads will look to pressure the Riverhounds all over the field from the game’s opening whistle. The Hammerheads roster is filled with multiple first- and second-year players looking to make an impact at the professional level. The balance between young professionals and veteran leadership should make for an intense battle on Friday.
Last Time Out for the Battery
The Battery is coming off a tough 2-1 road loss to the Richmond Kickers (4-0-0) this past Saturday. Charleston took the lead in the 15th minute off the head of second-year pro, Levi Coleman. The Kickers’ David Bulow brought the home side level in the 63rd minute. Shaka Bangura’s goal in added time provided the Kickers their fourth win in as many games.
Match Outlook
The Riverhounds and Battery know each other well from last season. The two clubs met four times in 2010. The first ended in a draw and the remaining three games ended with a deciding one goal margin. The Battery claimed the head-to-head record with two wins, one loss and a tie. Finishing the regular season at the top of the table, the Battery played host for the final and captured the 2010 USL-2 Championship last August.
The Saturday night meeting between the Riverhounds and Battery should be interesting, as both sides play Friday night in North Carolina. The effects of the dreaded back to back weekend should be apparent on the field in Charleston.
The Battery will stream the game live on www.usllive.com. Don’t miss out on any of the USL PRO action!