Pittsburgh Riverhounds Win Home Opener

After opening the 2009 season with two draws on the road at Crystal Palace Baltimore and Richmond, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Real Maryland Monarchs each had their chances in the first half of their match at Chartiers Valley Stadium Saturday night in a game that took on a biting tone at times. Then, in the 53rd minute, Pittsburgh swarmed the Monarchs goal. Defender Nathan Salsi headed the ball into the right post, then midfielder Randolph Jerome blasted the rebound in past Monarchs goalie David Kern, and the Hounds were unleashed and ahead 1-0.

Jerome, who was acquired from United Soccer Leagues Second Division Champion Cleveland in the off-season, was injured on the play and had to leave the pitch for medical attention. Pittsburgh played a man down hoping that he would return. While doing so, the Riverhounds permitted a Real Maryland goal by Gary Brooks; one of the few men still standing in a bruising scrum in front of Pittsburgh goalkeeper Zach Varga. Brooks was assisted by Jeff Carroll, and the score in the 56th minute was knotted at 1-1.

Six minutes later, Pittsburgh built a hard charge, rushing the middle of the pitch. Midfielder Justin Evans finished the attack with a rocket shot from 40 yards out that seemingly glued Kern to his goal box. Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead and maintained it through the remainder of the match. Pittsburgh got another tremendous performance from its defensive third, including two great blocks from veteran defender Tenywa Bonseu, “T-Bone”, who returned to the team after spending several years in MLS. The game was played under clear skies with temperatures in the mid 60′s in front of 1,578 fans.

via – Pgh RiverHounds’ Release.