By K.C. McElroy, uslfans.com Match Reporter

2008/07/05
By K.C. McElroy, uslfansite match reporter, Steel Army member. Xplosion season ticket holder and founder of www.goldentrianglesoccer.com

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds were threatened with a forecast of severe weather, once again. But, as has happened, it avoided the area and sun prevailed.
As for the contest against the Western Mass Pioneers, physical play was the order of the day, as were missed chances on both sides in the opening half, resulting in a scoress halftime break.
The battle continued in the second half, up until the 52nd minute, when Jean Robens Jerome finally found his target, heading a cross from Greg Janicki, earning his first assist of the season, into the twine just inside the right post Western Mass goalkeeper Matt Gleaser.
At the other end, Riverhounds cageminder Zach Varga was workiing on his first shutout of the season, with his chances increased after long-time Hound Justin Evans converted on his second penalty kick of the season, in the 82nd minute, after a take down by Boyzzz Khumalo in the box on a break away attempt. Evans beat Gleaser to his right, to the delight of the 890 who turned out and all but icing the first-ever win, for the Hounds.
But, as stoppage time approached, tension became apparent with pushing and shoving in front of the Hounds bench, resulting in ejections of both Evans and the Pioneers Jeff Deren. After the melee, which lasted for a couple of minutes, cleared, Eddie Hayden was also ejected, for the Hounds, for tossing the ball at one of the Western Mass players.
The Hounds will visit the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, at 7, minus Evans and Hayden, barring appeals. But the Hounds hope to build on their win. A victory would tie them with the Real Maryland FC Monarchs, as well as getting revenge from a 3-1 loss suffered by the hands of the Kickers, during Richmond's recent visit. Another loss would further distance the Hounds from the rest of the league.