The Pittsburgh Riverhounds begin their season tonight, and with it comes a new roster, some familiar faces, but higher expectations. The offseason saw key players like Rob Vincent and Ryan Thompson play for their new respective teams.
Calle Brown, who filled in during Thompson’s absence last season, signed with the Houston Dynamo. The Hounds overhauled their goaltending depth adding Hunter Gilstrap, Mauricio Vargas and local native Brenden Alfery.
Pittsburgh also signed two ex-MLS players in Corey Hertzog and Zak Boggs. The Riverhounds are in need of forwards and strong production after Vincent’s departure although the team has retained Kevin Kerr and other offensive weapons like Stephen Okai.
The Riverhounds are set to begin a new season that has high expectations after making a brief appearance in the playoffs last season. One major flaw in the Hounds was a defense that had a hard time pressuring shooters.
This year, head coach Mark Steffens will need to emphasize a high level of pursuit and pressure on opposing forwards. With Vincent and Kerr leading the team offensively last year, Pittsburgh will need to depend on the defense much more to keep deficits small and keep single goal leads.
Buzz has surrounded the Riverhounds and fans turned out in hoards last season to support their team. While soccer is not at the forefront of Pittsburgh’s featured sports, it has begun to rise with the success of the Riverhounds and the acquisition of young local talent.
This season will be difficult for a team that has lost offensive firepower. But, the coaching staff and fans alike have no less expectations. Pittsburgh will have to hope for a name to come into the mix with Kerr to carry the team throughout the long season.
If the offense becomes stagnant and isn’t able to at least get chances around the net, it will be very difficult for the defense to keep opponents from scoring. The defense must protect the net and help their netminders who may not be accustomed to playing in such a fast-paced fashion.
The first game that the Riverhounds have scheduled is tonight at Highmark Stadium at 7 p.m. The Hounds will face a tough first test tonight in the Rochester Rhinos, who won the whole thing last year taking home the USL Championship. The rest of the Hounds’ schedule can be seen by clicking the following link: 2016 Riverhounds Schedule
“We’re really excited to get a shot at the champions to start the season. We feel like we owe them one from last year,” Kerr said when asked what he thought about playing the defending champions.
All-time in head to head matchups, the Riverhounds have struggled against the Rhinos with an overall record of 6-20-4. Lebo Moloto, who ranked third in scoring last season for the Riverhounds, will need to help supplement the lost production. If Moloto will be able to stay active and keep his feet moving throughout this game and the entire season, he could have a major impact.
Season Prediction
The Riverhounds will be a competitive team, but with the loss of so many players and the infusion of new and younger talent, this season will be used as a stepping stone for next year. It will not be easy and injuries could play a major part in struggling to qualify for a playoff spot.
The Hounds will finish the season just out of reach to enter the playoffs, but Pittsburgh will use this season as a way to help new players adapt to the speed and style of USL soccer. This season will only be a minor hiccup in what looks like to be a bright future for the Riverhounds.
Photo Credit: Matthew Kruth | Riverhounds
