Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Riverhounds Return

Professional and semi-pro soccer in Pittsburgh has a long history, much of it distinguished (long-time fans will remember the late Nicholas "Nick" DiOrio) and most of it under the Steelers-, Pirates-, and Penguins-dominated radar.

The most recent entry in Pittsburgh's pro soccer history is the Riverhounds, which began play in 1999 as an A-League entry but struggled financially, finally going on hiatus altogether while reorganization proceeded.

And now they're back, no longer part of the A-League -- now the USL (United Soccer Leagues) First Division, but viable and competing in the USL Second Division. Pittsburgh deserves better than third division pro soccer, but it's the pro soccer we have. Welcome back, 'Hounds!

The team will be playing its home games at the Chartiers Valley High School Stadium, which is in Bridgeville just off of I-79 near the Kirwan Heights exit. The home opener is this Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.

The club has a "Steel Army" supporters group, which has its own website.

1 comment:

illyrias said...

Thanks for enlightening me, but I think for $9 I'd rather go see the Pirates... I know it's a reasonable price, but they are playing at a high school stadium. I remember high school stadium bleachers.