Every fan has their own opinion of the hounds move to Falconi Field, but the bottom line is it is their new home.
Coming off their best-ever season, and first in the league known as the PSL last season, the hounds had high expectations going into this season, after their overall record of 19-3-1 and failing to make the final, losing to the now-defunct Utah Blitzz. From the looks of it, their fans have come used to RSL taking their place, but that's another story.
The hounds have had a few key players leave to other teams, Said Ali to Vancouver, Matt Chulis to Long Island, and Tiest Sondaal and George Kithas to Cincinnati, but we have picked up some local talent also. While I'm glad to see the addition of the new players, I think the loss of the key players has hurt too, with the new players having to learn the system thus our record being 2-4 now. It is, however, a blessing that we have qualified for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup next round, but it will be very difficult to beat the Menace at home. No matter how much of a hounds supporter you are, you have to admit the hounds are heavy underdogs, which brings memories of their loss in Chicago two years ago in double overtime. The hounds (then in the A-League) and Richmond were the only two second Division teams to make it that far(the Kickers lost too). But knowing head coach Ricardo Iribarren, he will just want the hounds to play their best. Iribarren was on the roster during their game in Chicago, but you can bet he will trying to get a win out of it.
But lookiing back, the hounds should be much better than their current record, even after having played Charlotte this past Saturday. Make no mistake, we all know Ricky is a great coach, as proven last season. I'm sure it is frustrating for him to have 2-4 record. But the good part is the crowd keeps coming back and building.
I'm sure we all remember last season and how it ended.
This is obviously a different season, with the hounds tied for 8th with New Hampshire, and the unbeaten Sparks on top in the WPSL.
For the hounds, I think the rest of the season will be just as interesting and a sell-out at Falconi is on the way.
www.goldentrianglesoccer.com
