Pittsburgh Riverhounds shut out Toronto, stay on track in playoff chase

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer club stayed on course to grab a spot in the USL PRO playoffs by shutting out the Toronto FC Reserves of Major League Soccer 1-0 on Saturday evening at BMO Field.

It was the first loss of the MLS Reserve League season for Toronto FC, as the Reds finished with only 10 players on the field after midfielder Manuel Aparicio was sent off in the 74th minute. Toronto is now 3-1-1 in the Reserve League.

Just before the intermission, a combination play from Mike Seth to Jose Angulo gave the ‘Hounds the only goal of the match. Angulo got the ball just inside the penalty area to fire the ball past Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 41st minute.

Up Next: The Riverhounds continue on the road this Friday when they visit Plant City Stadium at 7:30 p.m. for a match with VSI Tampa Bay FC (9-7-4). Pittsburgh is just three points behind eighth-place Tampa Bay for the final playoff spot in the USL PRO standings.

The roadtrip through the Sunshine State continues and makes a stop at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a rematch with the Orlando City Lions (12-2-6). Pittsburgh and Orlando fought to a 0-0 draw on July 17 at Highmark Stadium.

Riverhounds Reinforcements: On Tuesday, Riverhounds defender Rich Costanzo and goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap were named to the USL PRO Team of the Week. Both had a strong performance in helping the Hounds shut out the Toronto FC Reserves and keeping the team on track for a playoff spot.

Pittsburgh’s midfielder Seth C’deBaca and forward Jose Angulo were on the honorable mention list for the USL PRO team of the week for Week 18.

Angulo is tied with Sainey Touray of the Harrisburg City Islanders for most goals scored this season with 11 apiece in 17 games.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds will host the first-ever Pathway to the Pros Academy Challenge – presented by the Gateway Clipper Fleet – at Highmark Stadium on August 10-11, 2013. The tournament officially kicks off the club’s new developmental partnership with Century United Soccer Club.

The Pathway to the Pros Academy Challenge is a four-team youth tournament that will feature some of the nation’s best Under-12 and Under-13 boys from DC United, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

The USL PRO will convene its 2013 Midyear Board of Governors meeting in Kansas City on Wednesday in conjunction with the 2013 MLS All-Star Game, which is set for Sporting Park at 9 p.m.

Team owners and executives from USL PRO’s 15 franchises, including Sacramento Republic FC and the recently announced Oklahoma City team, who both begin play in 2014, will be present.