Hounds Travel To Rhinos With Backup
PITTSBURGH (June 25, 2015) - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds face a tough challenge this Saturday with a trip to the unbeaten Rochester Rhinos in the USL's Eastern Conference. Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.
Rochester leads the overall USL standings with 29 points from 13 games (8-0-5). The Western New Yorkers boast a 100 percent record at Sahlen's Stadium after four home games and can tie the club's record 14-game unbeaten start to a season with a win or a tie against the Hounds.
Pittsburgh (5-4-4, 19 points) returned to winning ways last week with a 1-0 victory over F.C. Montreal at Highmark Stadium. Kevin Kerr's late goal maintained the Hounds' record of scoring in every game this year. That offensive power will be required against the stingiest defense in the league Saturday. Rochester has given up five goals this year, seven fewer than the second best record held by Louisville City F.C.
The Hounds will have some backing in Rochester with about 50 Steel Army members making the 570-mile round trip to Sahlen's Stadium. Fans can also watch the action live at Riverhounds.com.
Saturday's clash is the second of three meetings between the teams during this year's regular season. Rochester eked out a controversial 2-1 win at Highmark Stadium on April 4 through Alex Dixon's second half volley.
Hounds captain Danny Earls is available to face his former side after serving a one-game suspension following his dismissal for deliberate handball against the Charlotte Independence on June 13.
Jamaican national team goalkeeper Ryan Thompson is also in contention for a start after briefly returning to Pittsburgh between his country's Copa America and Gold Cup campaigns.
Rookie forward Amara Soumah is available after missing two league games with a twisted ankle. Matt Dallman is also close to full fitness after tweaking a hip flexor.
South African playmaker Lebo Moloto will likely miss the trip north as he continues to recover from a strained left hamstring.
The Riverhounds lead the Eastern Conference with 28 goals in 13 games. English midfielder Rob Vincent leads the league in points and points-per-game with his joint-high nine goals and four assists.
Christian Volesky leads the Rhinos' offense with five goals and one assist. Cape Verdean forward Steevan Dos Santos follows with four goals for Bob Lilley's side.
Tickets are selling fast for the Hounds' next home game on July 4 against the New York Red Bulls II. Fans can stay at the stadium after the game to watch Pittsburgh's fireworks display.
Visit Riverhounds.com for ticket information or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak with a representative.
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