RizzoSports News

The Riverhounds (3-4-5) are wrapping up a 5-game home stand this week by hosting the Richmond Kickers (6-4-5) on Thursday and the Harrisburg City Islanders (4-6-4) on Saturday. Both matches are slated for a 7:00 p.m. Kick-Off at Chartiers Valley Stadium.

The Riverhounds are coming off a bye week and have a healthy roster for the first time this season. With eight matches remaining and playoffs up for grabs, the results of this weekend’s matches are critical to earn a playoff berth and contend for the USL Championship.

To purchase tickets visit riverhounds.com or call into the Riverhounds office at 412.539.1191

via Pgh Riverhounds Press Release.

We’re still a week away from the All-Star Break, but technically we’re at the true halfway point of the baseball season. The Pirates have played 82 games and at 32-50 they own the worst record in the NL. No surprise there, but the fact that San Diego has the best record in the NL is certainly a surprise. Just about everyone picked them to finish last in the NL West. While their offense is near the bottom, their pitching has been the best in baseball. Only two years ago the Pirates finished four games better, yes better then San Diego. The Padres improved by 12 games last year, and are on pace to improve by 21 this year. It’s all about pitching; you would think the Bucs would have figured that out by now. Also don’t forget RSW is live tonight at 7:30 on FLTV.

The Ford City boy’s basketball program has the most storied history of any local program. Back when the factories were humming Ford City was a basketball power, and there was a lot of pressure on the coach. It’s not like the old days, but there will be a lot of eyes on where new head coach Rob Greenleaf takes the team. Ford City looks set to pour millions into their basketball facilities, so they’re definitely going to want a winning team. We typically don’t see a person from outside the area, like Greenleaf, brought in for a coaching position, which adds some intrigue. The section lost Burrell and added Shady Side. With 4 of 7 section teams making the playoffs you don’t have to be good to get in. The question is what are the real expectations?

I can’t believe there isn’t a new stadium in the plans for expanding Elderton High School. It actually looks like they’re going to build a new gym on the site of the current fields. I know they don’t have a football team, but soccer is big in Elderton. With all the savings from opening a new school and the competitive bidding environment this looks like a missed opportunity. I know Elderton only has a population of around 350, but it’s a regional school and the surrounding townships have a few thousand too. What about all the alumni that have moved away, they’ll want to come back for games. Plus it could be a neutral site for the KTG vs. FC game. I’m thinking at least a 7,000 seater. Rendell likes funding stadiums, so if we hurry with the design plans, we can probably get a few million out of the new PA budget.

Edinboro, PA-Traveling north of Pittsburgh for their match against Maryland, the Riverhounds (3-3-5) finished two goals in the first half to break the stalemate previously held with the Monarchs (3-4-5). The two Clubs were featured in the PA West Youth Tournament held at Edinboro University as the “night cap” match in Sox Harrison Stadium where 869 spectators enjoyed the professional atmosphere.

The Riverhounds came out with an attacking mindset, focusing on using the outside channels and serving dangerous balls into the penalty area. In the 25th minute, the Monarchs conceded a corner to the Hounds and Tommy Gray’s back post service for Nate Salsi resulted in a penalty kick. The challenge from Monarch’s defender, Gareth Evans was careless as his elbow flew into Salsi’s head. Riverhounds rookie, Alex Weekes stepped up to the stripe and converted the penalty with confidence.

Three minutes later Weekes played a cross to the back post for an on running Travis MacKenzie. The service was behind the Monarch’s defense, but MacKenzie’s header went inches wide of the goal.

Outside back, Sterling Flunder left his mark on the match in the 32nd minute when his individual effort found the back of the net. Flunder, overlapping Matt Tuttle down the left flank, was played a long penetrating pass from Louie Rolko. Flunder’s first touch brought him inside of the closing defender and provided enough space to prepare his body for a strike from 30 yards out. His right footed blast slid passed the diving Monarch’s goal keeper, Brian Levey at the near post and put the Hounds up two.

The remainder of the match the Riverhounds continued to attack as they received six corners in the second half, but could not score a third goal and distance themselves from the most dangerous score in soccer, 2-0.
The Riverhounds defense was solid throughout the match, only allowing one shot on goal. Goal keeper, Hunter Gilstap picked up his 4th shutout in league play and 5th on the season. The Hounds back four composed of Jason Kutney, Niko Katic, Louie Rolko and Sterling Flunder stifled the Monarchs attack and controlled the tempo of the match by confidently intercepting passes and locking down the opposition.

The Riverhounds look to continue their 5-game unbeaten streak this Friday against the Charlotte Eagles (4-5-3). The match will be held at Chartiers Valley Stadium, with Kick-Off set for 7:00 pm.

via Pgh Riverhounds Press Release.

Colby Owen was named the new soccer coach at Kittanning. Here are a couple of friendly suggestions.

1. Have the kids watch soccer – Top leagues play for 9 months a year, with a DVR’s it wouldn’t be hard to get together to see how the best play.

2. Work with the youth programs – Easy to say, but hard to execute, at least get them all playing / understanding the same system.

3. Start a Spring Soccer Combine – knock off the NFL, a 40, 1 mile, bench, & vert jump. Seriously, great PR and could motive the kids to work out more.

4. A field (unfortunately KHS can’t host showcase night games) – A new field at the old Bauer Block or widening the Football field, while realistically possible is probably politically impossible. Put & keep the pressure on for a long term home.

I would also suggest a 4-2-3-1 system, but he’s the coach and can do what he wants.

The Pirates have put all their chips on the table. Manager John Russell has a good poker face but might be in over his head now that the future of franchise is in his hands. Tabata, Lincoln, Walker, and McCutchen are now on the big league roster. Pedro Alvarez is either a LaRoche trade, injury or a month away, which ever comes first. Heading into last night’s game the Pirates were battling to stay out of last place with a 23-35 record. This puts them on pace for 64 wins. Basically they have a 50 percent chance to either stay bad or get better. We should know in a couple of months if they’re improving or if we’ve been fooled again. Oh that Bob Nutting, fools us every time. If the new guys fail to improve, then four more years of losing is probably in the cards.

What do you think will be the biggest local sports story of the summer? I would think the Steelers with their large following will grab the most headlines. Those headlines will focus on the starting quarterback / Big Ben Situation. The Penguins seem headed for a quiet offseason, but that could change especially if Malkin is put on the trading block. The Pirates prospects Walker/Lincoln/Tabata/Alvarez could be big news; if they all come up and even more so if they start out well. I doubt the World Cup will be big news in Armstrong County, but school district’s administration situation and its athletic ramifications could be. Feel free go online and give your pick for the top sports story of the summer.

Feel free to post your comments.

Last night on Rizzo Sports Weekly I had on Rob Egan the GM of the Altoona Curve. He was nice enough to bring 75 tickets for Saturday Night’s 6:30 game. If you’re looking for something to do this holiday weekend I encourage you to consider going to the game. You can pick up the tickets at the Kittanning Paper Office on South Jefferson St. in Kittanning. If you have never been to a minor league game they’re a lot of fun, and Blair County Ballpark is highly praised. Rob even recommended some good food to try at the ballpark. Altoona is off to a great start, they’re 28-16, plus they have some great prospects like shortstop Chase d’Arnaud, outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, and pitcher Daniel Moskos. For more info you can also checkout their website www.altoonacurve.com.

The 2010 MLB Draft is two weeks a way. Washington is poised to take Bryce Harper first and who the Pirates pick with the second selection is anyone’s guest. Harper who I think will be major league in one year, would be the perfect left handed power hitter for PNC Park. Washington signed last year’s first pick Stephen Strasburg to a record $15m four year deal. With Strasburg only a couple a weeks away, from the major, that contract could end up being a bargain. The Pirates should try to scare Washington off Harper, by floating $30m for 5 years, which might not be enough. At the very least they’ll make it look their serious about improving. I suggest Neil Huntington stop being a wimp and start talking.