Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release - www.riverhounds.com

Saturday, April 18, 2015

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Riverhounds return to USL action at Highmark Stadium on Sunday for the club's first meeting with expansion side Louisville City FC.

The Hounds (1-1-1, 4pts) are seeking to build on last week's tie at Saint Louis FC that featured some inspired goalkeeping from Ryan Thompson and a first goal for the club for Brazilian forward Vini Dantas.

Louisville (1-0-2, 5pts) has put together a solid start under rookie head coach James O'Connor. The former Stoke City and Orlando City midfielder led his team to a historic opening-day victory against Saint Louis before picking up points against the Richmond Kickers and Rochester Rhinos.

"There is a lot of height and strength on the Louisville team as well as midfield creativity," said Riverhounds head coach Mark Steffens. "Hopefully we've put together an effective plan to overcome them."

Steffens has a few injury concerns leading into the weekend. Dantas tweaked a hip flexor at Saint Louis while defender Fejiro Okiomah limped off in the first half with a strained quad muscle. Both players are expected to retain their starting roles.

Max Touloute's availability is less certain. The Haitian forward is struggling with a swollen left knee.

Matt Dallman and Drew Russell remain sidelined. Dallman is expected to resume full training next week.

Steffens does have the option to include Guinean forward Amara Soumah in his 18-man game day selection after the former Cal State Fullerton player was formally registered with U.S. Soccer earlier this week. Soumah started for the Hounds in the recent scrimmage wins over the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Francis University.

Tickets for Sunday's game are still available. Visit Riverhounds.com for details or call the Highmark Stadium box office on (412) 325-7241 to speak to a ticket representative.