Disappointment filled the Memphis murky sky, as last Saturday’s match against Memphis 901 FC was postponed after inclement weather ruined the evening’s festivities. Problematic for the Hounds because the entire match will have to be made up and will have be restarted from the beginning once more.
“We felt ready to play and we showed it,” midfielder Anthony Velarde said. “I think we played the best 45 minutes we have in a while, and it was just unlucky.”
Pittsburgh outperformed Memphis through the entire half on the pitch and on the scoreboard. Riverhounds forward Christian Volesky sniped a header into the back of the net, putting the Hounds up 1-0. The rain soon came in and overtook the match.
“Once the rain came in, I think it shocked all of us,” defenderJordan Dover said. “The storm came in and we put a good half together, so it was disappointing it got canceled.”
Because of USL Championship rules and regulations, the entire match must be replayed because Pittsburgh and Memphis were unable to make it to 70th minute mark.
“No more complaining, just forget about it,” Velarde said. “We play them again and try to get the win then.”
Although the Hounds were unable to finish the match, positives could be taken from the road trip where Pittsburgh played a complete half.
“I think we put a good half together in Memphis and we want to build off that momentum,” Dover said. “I think we moved the ball fairly well. I think we were good in the attacking third, our possession was fairly well. We didn’t concede in the first half as well. Just all those positives we had in Memphis; we want to carry that through to the weekend.”
As it currently stands, Pittsburgh has played the fewest matches in USL Championship action to date, playing in only eight total games. The Hounds thought they could use this early season rest to their advantage.
“I think if we don’t travel as much, we’re probably a little fresher than some of the other teams that have traveled more,” Velarde said. “I think it can play a little advantage on our part. We take whatever advantage we can get. If we play a team that has played 10 games and we have eight, then it is what it is, and we do what we have to do.”
The Riverhounds currently sit in 13th place in the table, but with three to four fewer games played compared to others, Pittsburgh will have ample opportunity to climb the standings. This Saturday, the Hounds will welcome the Charlotte Independence to Highmark Stadium. The Independence currently sit in 16th place in the table.
Even though the opposition has only one win on the season, Pittsburgh is not overlooking Charlotte.
“We never look past any team,” Velarde said. “I think any level of soccer; any team can beat anyone no matter what the occasion is. I think we do a good job keeping that mentality and we don’t let off when a team is not doing well in the standings. It is only eight games in, there are still 20-plus games left. I think we will play every game like a championship game and I think that is our mentality coming in.”
“They are a great side,” Dover said. “I think they are a better side than what their record shows so far. They have great players in the attacking half. They pass, they move, they’re quick off the ball and good in possession. So, I think we have to be ready for that defensively.”
The Hounds (2-1-5) will take on the Charlotte Independence (1-6-4) this Saturday night at Highmark Stadium. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m.
