The Cincinnati Kings faced off against the Pittsburg Riverhounds on Saturday under gloomy weather. The weather could not keep out the 1,139 fans on Pink Ribbon Girls’ Night. The Pink Ribbon Girls promote awareness for breast cancer and teamed up with the Kings for the game.
Trey Alexander started off the game with some decent play. He played it into the posted-up striker, and the striker then played the ball out to the flank. Trey continued his run from the back directly through the defense. The Ball was then crossed low and hard to the 8-yard line where Trey missed just to the right of the post. That play could have sealed the game but the bounce was not in favor of the Kings.
The Kings lead Pittsburg in shots at 18-9. Jeff Hughes led the Kings with 5 shots but could not find the back of the net to give him his 4th goal in three games and 3 straight game winners. His best chance came in the first half when he nailed a shot that Pittsburg goalkeeper Trey McNeilis saved acrobatically. Another great chance just sailed wide off of a Sam Fiore header in the first half.
In the Second half Nowaf Jaman broke through for a fast break but was denied by keeper McNeilis, who recorded 6 saves on the night. Jaman is in his first season with the Kings. He described the play as “fast paced” and enjoys playing with the other strikers because of their “different strengths.”
Jordan James recorded his fourth shutout since the 1-0 defeat at the defending Second Division Champions Charlotte. He attributes his success to his teammates stating that they are the “best defense in the league.” Side note: The Kings next match is at Wilmington where James spent last season. In one word he summed up his visit back, that he is “Excited.”
Coach Jon Pickup does not take the match up lightly next week at Wilmington (0-1-2). “They will be very physical at home,” said Pickup, coming from the coach of a physical team who has the top 3 foul leaders in the league.
Returning to the field this season is forward Travis Sobers. Sobers has been recovering from an injury and said he was at 85% strength for this match. He returned just as fast as I remembered when he was at 100% but look for him to cause havoc for the rest of the season. “It was good to get it out of the way,” Sobers said in regards to subbing in the 78th minute for Jaman.
The Kings travel to Columbus to scrimmage the Crew on the 23rd and then travel to play Wilmington on Saturday May 27th.
Dan Cheeseman
