Rockville, MD - A strong cross wind moving left to right across the pitch played a major factor in the match for both Pittsburgh and Real Maryland in the 2010 season opener; resulting in a scoreless draw.

The Pittsburgh faithful traveled east to cheer on their team in the opener, with nearly 100 of the Hounds fans in attendance to provide their support. Among the faithful supporters was the famous Steel Army, making a momentous entrance at Kick-Off, marching in with their drums and chanting to the tune, “Who are ya”. Their arrival set the tone for the match and the season.

In the first half the Riverhounds started off with a focus of maintaining possession from the opening whistle and playing composed and simple. The majority of the half, the Riverhounds played in the middle third and could not find the final penetrating pass to take the lead.

On the other side of the pitch, Real Maryland’s strategy was very direct and by-passed the midfield as much as possible. Their focus was to find the outside channels, but provided the squad limited scoring opportunities.

In the second half, the style of play opened up quite a bit for both sides and gave each side multiple opportunities to open the scoring. Tremendous play by both goalkeepers smothered any real scoring threats.

Pittsburgh’s first goal scoring opportunity came in the 59^th minute when Chad Severs received a through ball on the right flank from Jason Kutney. Severs had a few strides on his marking back and was free behind the defense, but his strike was parried wide by Real’s goalkeeper, Brian Levey.

The Monarchs continued to play direct balls behind the Riverhounds defense with hopes of the match’s first goal. In the 68^th minute the Monarchs forward, Jamie Darvill received a ball on the right side and struck a cross into the penalty area to find his teammate Alan Sanchez. Sanchez brought the cross down with his first touch and struck a low hard shot to the back bar. Riverhounds goalkeeper, Hunter Gilstrap made an unbelievable kick save with his right leg to knock the ball out of danger.

Two minutes later the Monarchs conceded a corner to the Hounds. Tommy Gray stepped into the ball and drove it to the back post to find Niko Katic. Katic out jumped the Monarchs goalkeeper to head the ball back across the goal mouth and find Jeremy Deighton who just missed on a spectacular bicycle attempt. Deighton’s well struck, Pele-like bicycle went just high of the open frame.

The last real scoring opportunity for either side came in the 84^th minute for the Monarchs. Once again the Monarchs broke free down the right flank and served a brilliant cross into the box. The cross found forward, Jyler Noviello whose one-timed touch was stifled by the diving Gilstrap.

All in all, a good point earned by a Hounds team with a very bright looking future. The Hounds travel to Charleston, South Carolina next Saturday to take on the Battery. The match is set for a 7:30 start.

Team Summary - Real Maryland

Players

Brian Levey, John Borrajo, Mason Trafford, Garsth Evans, Matt Williams (Kenneth Sola 60’), Sean Rush (Lorei 55’), Ben Hunter (Jose Bibiano 87’), Nate Bayer, Nicki Paterson (Jyler Noviello 67’), Alan Sanchez, Jamie Darill

Players not used - Brian Visser, Ricardo Unda, Mike Pertz

Team Summary - Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Players

Hunter Gilstrap, Eddie Hayden, Nathan Salsi, Nikola Katic, Jason Kutney, Matt Baker, Shintaro Harada (Tony Labudovski 85’), Travis Mackenzie (Alex Weekes 79’), Tommy Gray, Chad Severs, Jeremey Deighton (Kolby Lacrome 73’)

Players not used - Mike Seth, Adam Gazda, Louie Rolko, Jason Stenta