Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilmington Hammerheads will play host to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Friday at Legion Stadium. This will be the third match-up this season between the two teams and the second hosted by the Hammerheads.
Friday night’s game comes one week after the Hammerhead’s first loss at home against Orlando City. The Hammerheads fell 4-2 against the Lions in a physical match last Saturday night, taking the Hammerhead’s record to 4-2-2.
The Riverhounds will also be entering Saturday night’s game off a disappointing loss against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Dayton's 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh was its first of the club's first season in USL PRO and took the Riverhounds’ record to 2-3-6.
The Hammerheads first met with Pittsburgh this season at Legion Stadium on April 29th. The Hammerheads gave up their first goal of the season in the 79th minute of the initial meeting when Jeremy Deighton scored for the Riverhounds. The Hammerheads’ attack ended up proving too much for the Riverhounds that night, completing as Paul Nicholson and Alex Grendi both scored late to earn the Hammers a 3-1 victory.
The second match up between the Hammerheads and Pittsburgh came just a few weeks back when the Hammerheads had their first doubleheader, visiting both Rochester and Pittsburgh over Memorial Day weekend. Neither team could find the back of the net during the May 28th game at Chartier’s Valley Stadium, which ended in a 0-0 draw. The Hammerheads' closest opportunity to break the deadlock in this game came from forwards Chris Banks and Jyler Noviello, whose shots both managed to hit the post in the same play.
After a loss and a tie against the Hammerheads, the Riverhounds will be sure to be on their toes on Friday night. Hammerheads head coach David Irving feels confident going into their sixth home game of the season.
“We have already defeated them once this season, so as long as we play smart and tough, we know it can be done. Pittsburgh is a strong team so we need not take the match lightly and play with diligence and purpose,” said Irving.
Ticket prices for Friday’s game are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+, and $6 for children ages 4-12. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilmingtontickets.com, through the Hammerhead ticket line at (910) 777-2111 ext 10, or at the gate on Friday. The ticket booth opens at 6pm.