Game Day: Hounds vs. San Antonio FC
September 30, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC News Release
PITTSBURGH – Two clubs with high hopes for the postseason meet to start October when the Hounds host league-leading San Antonio FC in the marquee match of the USL Championship weekend on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
San Antonio comes into the match four points away from clinching the best record in the league for 2022, while the Hounds are still firmly in the race for a home playoff game entering the only Championship game this weekend between teams with more than 50 points in the standings. The history between the two teams is brief; they met for the first time in Texas on Sept. 4, 2021, and Alex Dixon – the Houston-area native – secured a 1-1 draw for the Hounds with his 90th-minute goal.
The Hounds have only lost twice at home this season – par for the course for Bob Lilley’s teams – but a run of home draws has left points on the table, most recently last week’s 1-1 tie with another Western Conference opponent, Orange County. San Antonio, on the other hand, is 4-0-1 in their past five matches, but their last loss was also their most recent trip to the Eastern Conference when Indy posted a 1-0 win.
Albert Dikwa is the Hounds’ in-form striker with goals in the last two games and four in the past seven, and he likely will be leading the line again as the Hounds aim to zero in on the starting 11 that will take the field when the postseason begins in three weeks. Also back in the mix are defender Jelani Peters, who missed the last match through suspension, and both of the Hounds’ international call-ups – goalkeeper Jahmali Waite and defender Jesse Williams – who returned to training with the club Thursday.
San Antonio is led up front by tall striker Sam Adeniran, who has 10 goals this season on loan from the Seattle Sounders. Their stout back line, one of the best in the league with just 23 goals allowed in 31 games, will be a bit shorthanded, however. Right back and former Hounds player Shannon Gomez and center back Mitchell Taintor are both suspended for the match for a red card and yellow card accumulation, respectively.
It will also be a big promotional night at the stadium, starting with the annual Kick Out Cancer night presented by Allegheny Health Network. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive complimentary T-shirts, and AHN will have other giveaways and activities throughout Highmark Stadium.
The Hounds are also hosting Mascot Mania on Saturday night, as loveable Hounds’ pup AMO will be joined by plenty of his friends from around the region, including the Pirate Parrot and Steelers’ mascot Steely McBeam, among nearly a dozen mascots scheduled to attend.
Fans looking to start the fun early can visit the Tailgate Zone starting at 5 p.m., with food from Benvenuti’s Pizza, music by DJ TJ Harris and drinks including the Hounds Amber Lager by Straub. Gates for the match open at 6 p.m., and the game can be seen live on 22 The Point and streamed via ESPN+.
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster or walk up to the Highmark Stadium Box Office on game day.
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