Pittsburgh Riverhounds to begin U.S. Open Cup tournament action Tuesday night

After celebrating their first victory of the season last Thursday against the Phoenix FC Wolves, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds are quickly back in action Tuesday, as they host RWB Adria in a first-round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. It is the first-ever meeting of the two teams, and kick-off is set for 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium in Station Square.

The Hounds have been unleashing a solid defense all season long, and they have been getting outstanding goalkeeping from Hunter Gilstrap. Pittsburgh striker Jose Angulo recorded a goal in each half against the Wolves to carry the Riverhounds past Phoenix 2-1. In fact, Angulo has been the only Hound to score at Highmark Stadium thus far, raising his goal tally to three at Station Square.

RWB Adria was founded in 1959 by Croatian immigrants in the city of Chicago. They compete in the National Soccer League, and come into this evening’s game with a record of 2-0 in the NSL’s Major Division, with seven goals scored and just three allowed. They are the defending 2012 NSL Outdoor Champions. It will be RWB Adria’s fifth appearance in the U.S. Open Cup tournament. In their first-ever appearance back in 1991, they advanced into the semi-final round, but eventually lost to the Brooklyn Italians 1-0.

Pittsburgh competes in USL PRO, considered to be the No. 2 professional league in the country, and they are projected as serious favorites during the early stages of the U.S. Open Cup tournament, which is open to pro and amateur teams. However, the role of early favorite does change to that of underdog when the Major League Soccer teams enter the bracket. It has been reported that the Hounds are bidding to host a third-round game against an MLS opponent.

NEXT UP: The Hounds (1-4-3) return to USL PRO action on Saturday, May 18 against the Dayton Dutch Lions (3-2) at Highmark Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start. It will be Armed Forces Night, as the team honors representatives from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy throughout the evening. Standing-room-only tickets are still available.