Riverhounds eliminated to end their season
By K.C. McElroy, uslfans.com Match Reporter
2008/08/10
By K.C. McElroy, USLfansite match reporter, founder of www.goldentrianglesoccer and proud supporter of the Pittsburgh Xplosion
It was a beautiful evening before the second largest crowd of the season, 2,229 at Chartiers Valley H.S. Stadium. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds could only earn a point against Real Maryland on this final game of the season.
Maybe it was an omen, when Jason Kutney sent a shot over Monarchs goalkeeper Oscar Araujo and found the upper left part of the net, from Justin Evans.
But the rest of the half continued with missed chances, especially by Boyzzz Khumalo, who seemed to be trying to get his team and the fans going.
The second half saw chances continue, although the longer the Hounds, in white, clung to their lead, it seemed that the Monarchs, in Yellow, would tie it, which they did in the 68th, in the kind of shot similar to other opponents had, beating Zach Varga with a shot to the upper right by William Brindley from about 20, off an assist from Pablo Gomez.
The goal seemed to give Real Maryland momentum with more possession. Any time the Hounds tried to get something set up, a defender would intercept a long pass and return it to the Hounds end. The Hounds did try to put on some pressure late, though, but many of their shots sailed wide or defenders blocked them.
The result left disappointment and only a point from the contest and elimination instead of the thought of taking the final playoff spot with the many supporters on an otherwise perfect evening. It's hoped that these fans will be back next season, which would help if the Riverhounds want their own home. But for now, we'll have an off-season of memories.
