Good news for us Hounds fans, the team finally seems to be running on all eight cylinders at exactly the right time. With eight games to go they slipped into the fourth and final playoff position by defeating the Cincinnati Kings 2 - 0.
Pittsburgh seemed determined to take the early lead and never look back and that's exactly what they did. Early attacks tested the Kings goalie Zack Van Frank as he was forced to turn away efforts in the 6th and 8th minutes. The ball got past him though in the 9th. A Pittsburgh free kick lead to a goal by Gabe Bernstein (his first of the season) with the assist going to Cody Bragg.
Cincinnati would try to equalize through out the first half, but a strong and confident Pittsburgh defense would continue to shut them down. Shots by Jaman Nowaf (14th minute) and Trey Alexander (19th minute) were either rushed or deflected in some way and never really tested Chris Robinson in the nets.
Pittsburgh started to take control and almost pulled ahead in the 25th minute of play. A free kick from the top of the circle was originally blocked by the wall, but the ball rebounded onto the waiting foot of Gabe Bernstein who calmly collected it and fired again only to have his shot deigned by a great effort by goalie Zac Van Frank.
The Kings tried again in the 33rd minute of play, Jon Pickup took the ball down the wing and cut across the end line but his cross was intercepted by an alert Chris Robinson and tucked away.
Just before the half the hometown crowd had a bit to cheer about as the Kings Goalie Van Frank was sucked way out of position in the nets, almost to the edge of the 18 - yard box. Sadly Cody Bragg could not bend his shot enough into the back of the net and it rolled harmlessly past the open net.
The second half started much like the first did, with an early goal. A free kick found it's way onto the noggin of Greg Victor who redirected it into the back of the net. Van Frank could do nothing but wave as the ball past him. Cody Bragg earned the assist.
Cincinnati almost pulled within one in the 49th minute, Chris Robinson came out of his net to cut the angle but got beat. Only the defensive effort of Matt Mehler to clear the ball off the line kept the shut out alive. Kings midfielder Kenin McGoskey was credited with the shot.
Bad luck continued to follow the boys from River city. As some wonderful passing that sliced Pittsburgh Defense like a surgical knife lead to a disallowed goal. Forward Jaman Nowaf was wide open to tuck the ball home, but also in a clearly offside position.
Pittsburgh defense came to aid of Robinson again in the 74th minute as midfielder Dan Hartung made a kick save on the line again to keep the shut out alive.
Attendance: 2003
Cautions:
Cincinnati: Jack Cummins - 36th minute - unsporting behavior
Pittsburgh: Nathan Salsi - 71st minute - unsporting behavior
Pittsburgh outshot the Kings 13 - 9.
Zac Van Frank (Cincinnati) made three saves in the first half, one in the second for a total of four
Chris Robinson (Pittsburgh) made three saves total, all coming in the second half.
Currently in third place, the New Hampshire Phantoms come to town next Saturday, July 8th. Only the top four teams advance to the playoffs in the second division, so this game takes on added importance if the Hounds hope to be playing in September.
