Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Friday, July 1, 2011
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Orlando City Lions settled for a scoreless draw on Friday night at Chartiers Valley Stadium. Pittsburgh’s Hunter Gilstrap and Orlando’s Miguel Gallardo came up with big saves to stifle both teams offenses and secure a point for their clubs.
Orlando City received the first scoring opportunity in the 14th minute. A long ball over the top of the Riverhounds defense from the center of the field by midfielder Yordany Alvaraz found forward Dennis Chinn behind the Riverhounds defense. Chinn controlled and fired a shot on target but Gilstrap was in good position to dive to his right and parry the shot wide and out for a corner.
The Riverhounds would build a quality attack through the midfield to earn their first scoring opportunity at the midway point of the first half. Midfielders Sammy Appiah and Shintaro Harada used a combination to move the ball from right-to-left to find Tommy Gray piercing through the defense.
Traveling deep into the left corner, Gray delivered a cross to the penalty stripe for Chad Severs. A solid volley by Severs was on frame, but struck the crossbar and ricocheted back into the penalty area, allowing the Lions too clear their lines.
Following the break both sides began pushing forward with speed to try and break the deadlock. The Riverhounds created multiple scoring chances throughout the second half, but every opportunity would be thwarted by Gallardo, who earned his league-leading eighth shutout on the season.
Orlando City turned on the offensive pressure with fifteen minutes remaining in the game. Following his counterpart’s lead, Gilstrap was consistently in good position and smothered Orlando City’s chances. The Riverhounds were reduced to 10 men when Appiah was sent off with two minutes to go, but Pittsburgh was able to hold on to earn a point.
The Riverhounds return to Chartiers Valley this Sunday for a matinée against Antigua Barracuda FC. Kickoff is slated for 3:00 p.m.