VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release - www.vsi-fc.com
Friday, August 2, 2013
PLANT CITY, Fla. - VSI Tampa Bay FC fell 2-1 against the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Plant City Stadium Friday evening, allowing the Riverhounds to pull even with VSI in the USL PRO playoff chase.
After a 45-minute weather delay the action started early as VSI Tampa Bay was able to penetrate through great combination between Chad Burt and Sal Bundu, only to have the Pittsburgh defense hold firm. As the possession continued, JT Noone managed to slip by his defender and find Tony Donatelli 25 yards out, only to see his left-footed shot narrowly miss the Pittsburgh goal.
Pittsburgh countered in the first half from incredible individual play by league leading goal scorer Jose Angulo, only to have VSI keeper Alex Horwath calmly make the save. The opening goal happened in a flurry as VSI was able to pin the Riverhounds into their box. In the midst of the heavy traffic, Donatelli confidently put the home side up 1-0 by finishing low into the corner.
With a crucial three points on the line, Pittsburgh proved why it is in the playoff race. With extremely determined efforts and at top pace, the Riverhounds unleashed a relentless attack that saw a first-time finish from Rob Vincent in the 58th minute as he hit the upper 90 of Horwath’s goal, equalizing the game.
Sticking with the same strategy, Pittsburgh gained the lead after a properly weighted pass found Richard Costanzo in stride on the right flank. A great bit of individual skill allowed an opening for what proved to beat Horwath in the lower right corner to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
VSI Tampa Bay gave its full attention to finding the equalizer the rest of the match. A free kick from substitute Mauricio Salles deflected just high to allow a corner. The corner from Noone reached the head of Josh Rife, only to see the ball sail over the crossbar.
The home side threw an extra attacker forward to try and find the equalizer, only to see the Pittsburgh defense stand strong and earn the much-needed three points on the road.
VSI Tampa Bay will return to Plant City Stadium Sunday night at 7 p.m. to host Orlando City (12-2-6) in search of three crucial points as the playoff race tightens with only a few games remaining in the regular season.
Tickets are available online at www.vsi-fc.com, or at the Plant City Stadium ticket window on game day.