Charleston, SC - In the midst of a light rain, the Riverhounds (0-0-2) and the Battery (1-0-1) battled for ninety minutes resulting in a scoreless draw at Blackbaud Stadium. For the second straight week the Riverhounds earn a point on the road. 

Stellar goalkeeping by Hunter Gilstrap catapulted the Riverhounds defense and energized the attack. “Hunter came up huge for us again”, remarked Head Coach Justin Evans. “His composure and organization has been flawless and the team feeds off of him making the big saves which he did again tonight.”   

The Riverhounds started the match with a low pressure defensive tactic and a primary focus on keeping the Battery in front of them.  The delayed line of confrontation by the Hounds resulted in the Battery receiving limited chances in the attack.

Pittsburgh’s offensive tactic was to move the ball quickly and use the entire field.  A few dangerous opportunities came when midfielder, Shintaro Harada found the Riverhounds flank players in the corners on his diagonal balls.  Riverhounds outside midfielders, Tommy Gray and Matt Baker complicated the Battery’s defensive shape with their individual foot skills and their ability to attack at speed.

The second half was filled with dangerous opportunities for both squads, mostly from set pieces. 

The Riverhounds received five set pieces inside of 40 yards and two corner kicks.  Gray was positioned behind the ball on each, but no Riverhound was able to convert on any of his services.  

A dangerous set piece was awarded to the Hounds on the corner of the box when defender, Ed Hayden was fouled on his way into the penalty area.  Rudolph Mayard was booked with a yellow for the foul in the 59^th minute.  Gray’s service was played into the scrum and was deflected out of danger.

Eight minutes later, Riverhounds substitute Alex Weekes combined with Chad Severs on a cheeky give and go down the left flank.  Weekes’ preparation touch offered him enough space to have a go from 25 yards.  His well struck shot sailed just over the bar.

In the 70^th minute the Riverhounds were unable to clear the ball from their defensive area, resulting in foul inside the penalty area.  The referee pointed to the spot and awarded the Battery a penalty kick.  The Battery’s Amaury Nunes was chosen for the PK against the on form Riverhounds goalkeeper, Gilstrap.  Nunes, stepped into the kick, struck the ball with his right foot to the lower left side of the goal only to find the diving Gilstrap parrying the ball away from the goal mouth.  Gilstrap’s rebound bounced back to Nunes allowing him a second opportunity to score. Gilstrap stuffed Nunes for the second time in as many seconds.

Nine minutes later, Gilstrap made another tremendous save to secure the draw.  The Battery constructed a nice combination in their attacking third and connected with a third attacker at the top of the penalty area.  Battery midfielder, Rudolph Mayard received the pass and one timed the pass on frame.  Gilstrap was positioned perfectly to smother the shot.

Late in the game the Riverhounds were judged offsides on a tight call that nearly sprung second half sub, Kolby Lacrone on a slick attacking move by the Hounds.

The Riverhounds end their two-game road trip next Sunday, May 2^nd with their Home Opener against the Richmond Kickers. Kick-Off is set for 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at riverhounds.com or by calling the Riverhounds office at 412.539.1191.  ($6 Youth and $9 Adult)

Team Summary - Charleston Battery

Players

Tim Melia, Obrian Woodbine, Yeniel Bermudez, John Wilson, Mike Zaher, Rudolph Mayard, Josh Bolton, Alioune Gueye, Stephen Armstrong, Tom Heinemann, Levi Coleman

Substitutions: Lamar Neagle  45^th, Kevin Jackson 56^th  Amaury Nunes 68^th Brandon Massie 86

Players not used - Keith Wiggans, Nigel Marples, Colin Falvey

Team Summary - Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Players

Hunter Gilstrap, Jason Kutney, Nikola Katic, Nate Salsi, Ed Hayden, Tommy Gray, Shintaro Harada, Travis MacKenzie, Matt Baker, Jeremy Deighton, Chad Severs

Substitutions: Alex Weekes 45^th Ryan Pierce 74^th Rolko 79^th Gazda 83th LaCrone 90^th

Players not used-  Jason Stenta