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Progress can take time and hard work, but the payoff can arrive suddenly.

The 2008 Girls saw their work this fall rewarded in a big way, as the team got its first point and its first win in ECNL play — both on the road — as part of last weekend’s Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) play.

The side, which had dropped its first four Ohio Valley Conference matches, began its weekend Saturday with a 2-2 draw with Ohio Elite in Cincinnati. The team shook things up with a new 3-5-2 formation, and the shift paid off.

Averie Bierker scored the rebound of a Emme Kline before striking again by getting on the end of a through ball, as the 08s took a 2-1 lead to halftime. Ohio Elite applied plenty of pressure in the second half and pulled level with about 10 minutes to play, but the Hounds held on for the point and even had a few chances to win on the counter.

Things went from good to great on Sunday, as Bierker scored again after just five minutes, and the 08s made that lead stand up for a 1-0 win at Racing Louisville on Sunday in Kentucky. Once again, the Hounds were put under pressure holding a lead, and fitness was tested with only two available substitutes. But the defense remained connected, and goalkeeper Maddie Knowles did well to record her first clean sheet in ECNL play as the Hounds completed a four-point weekend.

The 07 Girls made the same road trip and got three points of their own with a 1-0 win over Ohio Elite. Mia Deramo scored with an excellent control, turn and finish, and Molly Kubistek added another shutout to her tally for the season. The second match on the trip was a frustrating one, however, as the 07s fell 1-0 to a defensive-minded Racing Louisville outfit, despite putting 15 shots on goal and hitting the crossbar on three different occasions.

The 07 Regional League Girls were in Kentucky a day earlier, and they did come away with a 1-0 win over Louisville. The margin could have been more thanks to great pressure by the Hounds’ forwards, but Cece Wessel‘s goal was enough to swipe three points. The second day of the trip took them to face Tennessee SC, and though the team went ahead first through Sidney Dowers, the game turned as injury and fatigue took a toll in a 3-1 defeat.

Elsewhere, the 08 RDA II Boys were 5-0 winners in Great Lakes Alliance play against Canton United (Ohio). Joseph Preston and Mark Martella each had two goals in the win, and Harper Boles completed the scoring. Also taking a league win were the 07 East Girls against Hotspurs West, 4-0. Rebecca Walters notched a pair of goals, and Carmella Simco and Leah Paugh also found the net in an all-around commanding victory.

In addition to these highlights, results from all the RDA action each week can be found by checking out the Live Results page, located in the Academy section of www.riverhounds.com.

Sunday, Nov. 8

In ECNL matches in Louisville, Ky.:

• The 08 Girls picked up their first ECNL win with a 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville. Averie Bierker scored the game’s lone goal just five minutes into the match. Playing with just two substitutes, the Hounds wore down toward the end of each half, but the side remained connected defensively and held on to cap off a great four-point weekend on the road.

• It was near miss after near miss for the 07 Girls, who were beaten by a nose by Racing Louisville, 1-0. Despite having 15 more shots on target and striking the crossbar three times, the Hounds couldn’t push one over the line, while the hosts cashed in on a defensive error by scoring their lone shot on frame.

In ECNL Regional League matches in Franklin, Tenn.:

• The 07 Regional League Girls took a first-half lead on a Sidney Dowers goal, but host Tennessee SC took command in the second half and sent the Hounds to a 3-1 defeat. Things were looking good for the RDA to start, as the team had the better of play. Things began to get disjointed as the game progressed, and the loss of Lily Hillegas to an injury further contributed to the Hounds’ breakdowns.

• The 08 Regional League Girls were disconnected in the back and the midfield, and the side will need to strive for plenty of improvement after a lopsided 8-0 loss to Tennessee SC. 

In GLA matches played locally:

• Rebecca Walters scored a pair, and Carmella Simco and Leah Paugh also had goals in a 4-0 win for the 07 East Girls over Hotspurs West. Credit goes across the board for what was largely a dominant performance.

• The 10 East Boys went toe-to-toe with an unbeaten SCS United side and made the league leaders work for a 4-1 win. Jacob Gaudi netted the Hounds’ goal in defeat.

Saturday, Nov. 7

In ECNL matches in Cincinnati:

• The steady progression for the 08 Girls continued, as they nabbed their first point in ECNL play with a 2-2 draw against Ohio Elite. A change in formation yielded excellent returns, and Averie Bierker netted a pair of first-half goals — the first the rebound of an Emme Kline shot and the second on the end of a good through ball — after the team went behind 1-0. The team conceded a tying goal but withstood some late pressure to get the draw, and the Hounds even had a few opportunities to grab the win late on the counter.

• The 07 Girls gave a great effort until the end and were winners in a defensive battle, 1-0 over Ohio Elite. Mia Deramo bagged the lone goal with a strong turn away from pressure and well-placed shot, and Molly Kubistek recorded yet another clean sheet in goal for the Hounds.

In ECNL Regional League matches in Louisville, Ky.:

• The 07 Regional League Girls  took a 1-0 win over ECNL newcomers Racing Louisville behind a Cece Wessel goal. The win was a solid team performace, as the back line held firm and the forwards did an excellent job applying pressure. The one missing piece at times was finishing, which prevented the Hounds from expanding the lead.

• The 08 Regional League Girls were bested by Racing Louisville, 3-0. The Hounds came out strong and battled evenly with the hosts, as both defensive units were stout. Fitness ended up being the Hounds undoing in the second half, as the team wore down in the unseasonable heat and surrendered two late goals.

In GLA matches at Highmark Stadium:

• The 08 RDA II Boys played well from the opening whistle, and their pressure was too much for visiting Canton United (Ohio) in a 5-0 win. Joseph Preston’s pace and Mark Martella’s work rate yielded a pair of goals for each, and Harper Boles completed the scoring for the Hounds.

• The 07 East Boys continued to battle inconsistency, and they were unable to find the net in a 4-0 loss to Allegheny Force.

Momentum can help carry a team, and it’s certainly on the side of the RDA’s 2007 Girls.

The 07 Girls side blanked Indiana’s FC Pride, 2-0, in ECNL play Sunday at Highmark Stadium, recording the team’s second straight clean sheet and bringing their record for the month of October to a healthy 6-1 in all competitions.

The Hounds didn’t quite have their A-game to open the match against FC Pride, but they were sound at the back and slowly gained control. Emma Schupansky and Fiona Mahan scored the goals to lock up all three points for the Hounds on a weekend light on games but still with its share of highlights.

Among the other winners were the 09 East Girls, who won an in-state GLA matchup Saturday in Cranberry Township against SCS United, 3-1. As with their older city counterparts, it took time for this group to settle into the game, but once they did, it was smooth sailing with a pair of goals by Rylee Leasher and a strike from Kate Habershaw.

Also in the win column in a GLA match was the 07 RDA II Boys, who traveled to New Kensington and had to battle for a 2-1 victory over Allegheny Force.

Though the results weren’t there, there were teachable moments for the club’s Pre-ECNL girls teams in the 09, 10 and 11 age groups. Each of those sides made strides over the weekend despite narrow setbacks at the hands of strong — and in some cases, physically dominating — sides from Ohio Premier and Cleveland Force.

As play winds into November, results will continue to be posted on the Live Results page, where more details and a full rundown of scores is available.

Sunday, Oct. 25

In ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium:

• Another game and another clean sheet for the 07 Girls, who blanked FC Pride (Ind.) in a 2-0 win. Emma Schupansky and Fiona Mahan scored for the Hounds, as the team turned it on in the second half after an opening period that wasn’t quite up to par.

• The 08 Girls ran into a very good FC Pride side in their age group, and the visitors bagged a 5-0 win. The Hounds continued to make improvement on the ball over earlier outings, but the group still has a few steps more to take to compete with the top ECNL teams.

In Pre-ECNL matches at Montour Junction:

• The 09 Girls were level at half with the visiting Cleveland Force, but the visitors took advantage when the Hounds were a little slow to track back with their marks, which sent the hosts to a 3-0 defeat.

• Goals were hard to come by on the day, and the 10 Girls were turned aside by a good goalkeeping effort from the Cleveland Force. While the Hounds created enough chances to get a result, only the visitors were able to finish, and the RDA fell 2-0.

• Still struggling with numbers and short players in certain positions, the 11 Girls put out another game effort in a 4-2 loss to Cleveland Force. Gianna Marts scored both goals for the Hounds, who had the game level at 2-2 before the Force pulled away late.

In Great Lakes Alliance play at Montour Junction:

• The 07 East Girls played evenly with Cleveland Force throughout the match, but the visitors were able to finish chances where the Hounds were not, and the RDA side fell, 2-0.

Saturday, Oct. 24

In Great Lakes Alliance matches:

• The 09 East Girls started slow but then gained control of play in a 3-1 win over SCS United in Cranberry Township. Rylee Leasher picked up a pair of goals, and Kate Habershaw also scored for the Hounds, who had a good team defensive effort.

• The 07 RDA II Boys were 2-1 winners in a battle with Allegheny Force in New Kensington.

In Pre-ECNL matches at Montour Junction:

• The 11 Girls were topped 3-0 by a bigger and stronger Ohio Premier side, but the Hounds showed definite improvement over their last outing, even without their full compliment of players.

• The 09 Girls competed well but didn’t create enough chances, and they were beaten by a single goal, 1-0, against Ohio Premier.

• A slow start kept the 10 Girls from establishing a rhythm until late against Ohio Premier, and the visitors claimed a 4-1 win. The girls took the lead with a goal from Ashleigh Mitrik after a great through ball by Leesia Phetsomphou.

The players of the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) got a chance to settle back in at home last weekend, but many of the young Hounds sides were still in action even without hitting the road for another tournament.

RDA sides hosted matches at both Highmark Stadium and Montour Junction on Sunday, while others, such as the 2008 East Boys, took to other fields around western Pennsylvania with great success.

The 08 East Boys swept a pair of Great Lakes Alliance matches, winning the club’s only Saturday game by a 5-0 score over Perrysburg SC (Ohio) on a neutral field before notching a second win Sunday at FC Pittsburgh, 4-1.

The Saturday win featured some good goalkeeping by Ty George to keep Perrysburg off the board early, as the Hounds battled to a 1-0 halftime advantage. The goals started flying in the second half, as Kollin Maxey scored twice, and Cole Radcliffe, Braden Crowe and Ian Natale to round out the scoring. Natale had a pair of goals of his own in Sunday’s win, and McAlister Steele and Brody Baker helped finish off the two-win weekend.

In Sunday’s ECNL matches at Highmark Stadium, the 07 Girls took a commanding win over the Western New York Flash, 3-0. Mia Deramo, Sierra Dupre and Helena Walker all scored in the win, which was another good step forward for a side that still has room to improve and hit their peak as the season rolls on. 

For a more complete rundown of the RDA action each week, don’t forget to check out the Live Results page for scores and updates.

Sunday, Oct. 18

In ECNL play at Highmark Stadium:

• The 07 Girls still have room for improvement but handily issued a 3-0 defeat to the Western NY Flash. Mia Deramo, Sierra Dupre and Helena Walker scored to earn the three points.

• The 08 Girls failed to deal with a pair of set pieces and fell behind to the WNY Flash. Emme Kline pulled a goal back, but the Hounds were unable to rally and  fell to their northern opponents, 4-1.

In Pre-ECNL play at Montour Junction:

• It was a difficult day for the 10 Girls, who started off their first match against Cleveland Internationals in good form. Some later-game lapses cost them in a 3-0 defeat, and things got more difficult when the injury bug struck later in the day, ruling out a handful of players during a 4-0 loss to the Western NY Flash.

In Great Lakes Alliance play:

• The 08 East Boys built on Saturday’s performance with another win, 4-1 on the road at FC Pittsburgh. Ian Natale scored twice in the morning win, while McAlister Steele and Brody Baker added the other goals.

• The 09 East Boys gave a game effort but couldn’t put their chances into the net in a 3-1 loss to Croatia Jrs. 

• The 07 East Boys were tripped up by FC Pittsburgh, 6-1. Kyle Hospodavis notched the consolation goal for the Hounds.

Saturday, Oct. 17

In Great Lakes Alliance play in Erie, Pa.:

• Ty George provided great goalkeeping for the 08 East Boys to keep Perrysburg SC (Ohio) at bay, and the Hounds came alive with a dominant second half to turn a one-goal halftime lead into a 5-0 win. The Hounds got a pair of goals from Kollin Maxey and individual strikes by Cole Radcliffe, Braden Crowe and Ian Natale in the win.

On the RDA’s voyages on Columbus Day weekend, the club discovered a few more trophies to bring home.

The 2008 and 2009 Boys teams both won the top flight of their age group at the Coppa Classico hosted by Penn FC, while a handful of other RDA sides reached finals in central Pennsylvania and in Virginia at the Women and Girls in Soccer Tournament.

For the 09 Boys, it was a weekend of big wins, as they finished outscoring their opponents by a 26-2 margin. Grayson Stuart posted a four-goal performance in a 5-1 semifinal win over Hershey, and Warren Agostoni‘s hat trick was part of the 6-1 championship win over Keystone FC. Carson Torres had an all-tournament performance for the Hounds over their four-match weekend, as well.

The 08s faced much tighter challenges on their way to the title, none more so than in the final against Baltimore Crew. The two sides battled to a scoreless draw, sending the match to penalty kicks. In the shootout, Caleb Campo made a critical save, and the Hounds converted five of six attempts from the spot to claim the title. That victory came after a 3-0 semifinal win over FC Revolution, a match in which the side scored early to get the lead and then controlled possession while playing from the front.

Also reaching finals at the Coppa Classico were the 07 Boys, who topped Southern Chester County in the semifinals, 2-0, before losing 4-0 to a good side from hosts Penn FC. The 09 RDA II Boys had the nearest of title-game misses, getting goals from Devin Sartori, Liam McKim and Taven Antosh in a great match but falling 4-3 to Harford SC (Md.).

Futher south at the WAGS tournament, the 07 Girls got an all-around team effort in a 6-1 semifinal win over Reading Rage. In the final against FC Delco, the team got off to a hot start with a goal from 20 yards by Simone Sharpless, but the Eastern PA side got a penalty kick for a handling call against the Hounds, and they went on to send the RDA to a 2-1 defeat in bad weather.

The 08 Girls also booked a place in the final with goals by Emme Kline and Addi Pavely to take a 2-1 win against Fredericksburg FC (Va.). The team seemed to run out of steam in the last match, and they ran into a very good Beach FC (Va.) club that took the trophy by a 3-0 score.

Sunday, Oct. 11

At the WAGS Tournament in Richmond, Va.

• The 07 Girls continued their excellent play by advancing to the final with a win over Reading Rage, 6-1. Ava Yurko and Simone Sharpless and Robyn Reilly were excellent in the midfield, while Bella Costa, Maddie Marcotte and goalkeeper Molly Kubistek continued their good play for the weekend. The team got off to a fast start in the final with a well-struck Sharpless goal from 20 yards out, but bad weather and a handball call in the box hurt the Hounds, who were topped 2-1 by FC Delco.

• The 08 Girls were flying out of the gate in their semifinal, as an Emme Kline free kick and a Addi Pavely finish from a great team move put the girls ahead by two goals. The team controlled much of play, but Fredericksburg FC (Va.) got a late consolation goal to make the finish a little tense in the 2-1 win. The 08s ran out of steam in the final, however, as a very good Beach FC (Va.) side had the better of the match in a 3-0 Hounds loss.

• The 04 Girls were up against a physically strong TSJ FC Virginia side, and a dubious penalty put them behind in what would end as a 3-1 loss. Fiona Mahan scored the goal on a deftly played through ball by Lola Abraham, as the Hounds got a good learning experience from the match.

At the Coppa Classico in Hershey, Pa.

• It’s on to the final for the 09 Boys, who were paced by four Grayson Stuart goals in a 5-1 semifinal win over Hershey. The team’s clean sheet for the tournament finally was ended by a penalty kick, but the defense continues to play well. In the final, it was Warren Agostoni who carried the scoring load with three in a 6-1 win over Keystone FC. Carson Torres was outstanding throught the weekend with an all-tournament performance.

• Also coming out as champions were the 08 Boys, who needed penalties to hoist the trophy against Baltimore Crew after a scoreless draw. Caleb Campo made a critical penalty save, and the Hounds converted five of six kicks. The team earlier cruised to the final with a comfortable 3-0 win over FC Revolution, scoring early then controlling the ball.

• The 06 Boys finished second in their group after closing the weekend with a 6-1 win over Old Line SC (Md.). Most of the goals were well-constructed team strikes, as Pablo Linzoain finished a pair, and John Krug, Logan Pappert, Danny Steven and Zach Nash all recorded goals.

• The 07 Boys knocked off Southern Chester County, 2-0, to advance to the championship game. The final was a tough one, though, as host club Penn FC produced a big performance to beat the Hounds, 4-0.

• FC Europa topped the 10 Boys in a high-scoring semifinal, 6-3. Ryan Perez did have a pair of goals in the defeat, and Alex Mestre played a fantastic match.

• The 09 RDA II Boys prevailed with a 2-1 semifinal win over DASC Thunder. The team jumped out with an early goal by Devin Sartori, but a little complacency set in, and the Thunder equalized before halftime. The team came out with more fire in the second half, and Grayson Brunotto scored a well-deserved winner. In the final, the side had plenty to be proud of in a great effort, but they came up just short against Harford (Md.), 4-3. Sartori, Liam McKim and Taven Antosh notched the Hounds’ goals.

• The 08 RDA II Boys were stopped short of the final in a neighborhood rivalry match, falling 1-0 to FC Pittsburgh in the semifinal.

• Also toppled in the semifinals were the 07 RDA II Boys, who fell 2-0 to Celtic SC.

• The 12 East Boys closed the weekend with a great all-around team effort for a 5-1 win over Keystone FC. Liam Pletcher scored twice, while Ridge Brunton, Nick Bosnic and Caleb Lovas also found the net for the Hounds.

Saturday, Oct. 10

At the WAGS Tournament in Richmond, Va.

• Playing with the contributions of a number of 05 and 06 players, the 04 Girls turned out a great 4-1, come-from-behind win over Skyline Elite, Virginia’s top-ranked team in the age group. Trailing 1-0 at the break, the Hounds pulled even with a Fiona Mahan penalty kick won by Lola Abraham. Audrey Bianco, Ava Brucker and Kimberly Cora kept the goal rush going, while the Hounds got superb contributions from everyone, including center back Bella Vozar and forward Ava Boyd.

• A slow start saw the 08 Girls concede in the just the third minute of the game against Charlotte Independence. The second half was better and played mostly in the opponent’s half, and the Hounds were able to pull out a 1-1 draw after an excellent solo goal by Averie Bierker, who cut in from the left side and chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper from a tight angle.  The Hounds left it until late in their second match, but Camdynn Gonzalez poked home an Emma Kline cross from close range for a 1-0 win over Beadling. The match was evenly played throughout, but the Hounds missed some promising first-half chances, as Bierker struck the bar and Gonzalez put a good chance high.

• Battling through rain, the 07 Girls got a free kick goal and a penalty converted by Simone Sharpless for a 2-1 win over West-Mont United. Lilly Dejesus and Maddie Barr both were strong in the back for the opening win. Later in the day, the team picked up its second win, 5-1, over Charlotte Independence. Sierra Dupre scored the double, and Mia Deramo, Emma Schupansky and Robyn Reilly also added goals.  

At the Coppa Classico in Hershey, Pa.

• First to kick off were the 09 RDA II Boys, and they were up for the early start with a 6-3 win over PA Classics. The team was excellent in possession in the first half, being patient and finding runners to open up a three-goal lead.  PA Classics pushed back to start the second, but the Hounds recovered after a spell being caught playing kickball. Devin Sartori and Aniketh Gosh scored twice each, and Liam Greg and Liam McKim added the other goals. The second match was a step back in play by the side, but the Hounds showed heart in a scrappy 3-3 draw with Harford FC (Md.).

• The 08 RDA II Boys found themselves locked in a battle of wills with local club CASA, and the net result was a 1-1 draw. The opponents were strong in the middle with a center back standing over 6-feet tall, but the Hounds used their advantage on the wings. The Hounds took the lead with a McAlister Steele goal, but the team conceded a late free kick that cost it the victory. The team’s second match saw them concede early despite carrying play, but soon the goals would come in a 5-1 win over Northern Elite (Md.). Mark Martella scored twice; Joseph Preston and Colton Yonker also scored; and Canaan Kerestesi and Jace Gratchic were outstanding in the win.

• On a narrow, bumpy field, the 07 RDA II Boys had to adapt and look for more through balls, which they did with some success in a 4-2 win over Northeast Cantalao. AJ Marcotte, Sutton Hoehl, Nathan Kline and Noah Akamonlar scored for the Hounds. The team’s second match of the day pitted them against a CASA side with a standout player standing above the rest. Credit Graham Kunz for a good game working to contain him, but the opposing side came out on top, 4-1.

• Adam Figura posted the clean sheet in net for the 09 Boys, who knocked off host side Penn FC, 4-0. Warren Agostoni scored twice, Cam Sullenger and Christian Ovalle also had goals, and Dylan Shallenberger had a pair of assists in the win. The second match was less of a test, as Agostoni bagged four and Grayson Stuart added three as part of an 11-0 win over Keystone SC.

• Chalk up two good performances on the day for the 08 Boys, the first resulting in a comeback 2-2 draw against Penn FC. The Hounds controlled possession but were beaten twice on mistakes playing out of the back. Goals by Calder Mahan and a late one by Tristan Josephic earned the point. The team’s second game, a 3-0 win over Northeast Cantalao had goals by Harper Boles, Josephic and Owen Shearer, while Mahan, Brody Kennedy and Zach White all had standout a game.

• The 07 Boys were resounding winners in their first match, topping Fusion FC by a 7-1 count. The scoring was spread out with two goals by Roman Agostoni and one each for Finn Kichi, Brayden Davin, Ethan Voight-Cherna, Victor Slack and JJ Vozar. The side squandered more chances in their second match but still came away with a 3-1 win over FC Europa behind goals from Wyatt Catchen, Kichi and Agostoni.

• The 06 Boys won convincingly in their opening match, 5-0 over Hanover. The second match was a tighter affair facing Northern Baltimore, and mistakes at the back hurt the Hounds in a 3-2 defeat.

• The 10 Boys got a draw and a win on their day, first splitting a 2-2 match with Keystone FC. Ryan Perez scored both goals, and both goals for the opponents came by way of penalty kick. The second outing saw Perez score two more as part of a 5-0 win over Northeast Cantolao.  Johnathon Menke also had two goals and two assists in the win.

• Liam Pletcher and Ridge Brunton scores as the 12 East Boys got a taste of tournament action, but the Hounds were topped 4-2 by Hanover SC. Gunner Respit scored in the team’s second outing, but they were topped by PA Classics.