Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
PITTSBURGH -- Following a set of strong defensive performances resulting in two draws on the west coast this past weekend against the Phoenix FC Wolves and the Los Angeles Blues, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds return to Highmark Stadium Thursday night to open a six-game USL PRO home stand. The Riverhounds will square off with the Wolves for the second time in less than a week, with the game slated to kick off at 7 p.m. and set to be streamed live on USLnation.com.
The two sides met in the desert last Friday night at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The Wolves jumped on top of the Riverhounds in the 11th minute when Donny Toia’s left-footed strike whistled past the outstretched hands of Hunter Gilstrap and into the back of the net. The clubs exchanged quality-scoring opportunities for the next hour, before Riverhounds defenseman Andrew Marshall was successful in tapping home a cross from Jose Angulo to record the equalizer in the 79th minute. Both Toia and Marshall tallied their first goals of the young USL PRO season.
The Riverhounds met the Blues on Sunday for an afternoon game at Titan Stadium on the campus of California State University Fullerton. Both Clubs showcased solid defensive performances throughout the full ninety minutes, ending the game in a 0-0 draw.
Thursday night’s clash at Highmark Stadium will be a strategic match-up as the two sides are familiar with one another following last week’s game in Arizona. The Riverhounds will look to take advantage of the comforts of home in the USL PRO’s newest stadium, Highmark Stadium.
Promoting the game as Ladies’ Night, the Riverhounds will be wearing pink kits and will honor the ‘Soccer Mom of Pittsburgh’, sponsored by Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, at halftime. Following the game the Riverhounds will participate in a ‘Shirt Off the Back’ raffle to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Following Thursday night's contest, the Riverhounds have been selected to host a first-round game in the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup next Tuesday, May 14 against the Chicago-based Croatian side, RWB Adria (USASA). The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Riverhounds' new home, Highmark Stadium, located in Station Square. To purchase tickets for the opening round matchup, visit riverhounds.com/tickets. For Riverhounds group ticket sales, please call the Highmark Stadium Box Office at (412) 224-4900.