Weekend Recap: March 13, 2016

A relatively quiet weekend for Pennsylvania soccer saw one team earn their first win of the season and another lose for the first time in 2016.

Philadelphia: Columbus Crew SC 1 – 2 Union

The Philadelphia Union went on the road to Columbus for their second game on the 2016 MLS season. Despite some key injuries, the Union earned the win on the road thanks to a brace from midfielder Chris Pontius.

Pontius opened the scoring in stoppage time of the first half with a tap in off a Philadelphia throw-in. He made it two in the 71’ with a left-footed rocket from the top of the box. The Union were able hold on to the victory despite a late push from Columbus.

With the win, the Union improve their record to 1-1-0 and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Watch Match Highlights (MLSsoccer.com)

USL
Pittsburgh: Riverhounds 1 – 2 University of Michigan
Goals: Parkes

Former Riverhounds Under-23 player Robbie Mertz nudged the Wolverines ahead after two minutes before Tyler Anderson doubled the lead inside half an hour. Romeo Parkes halved the deficit before halftime with the goal frame twice denying the Hounds an equalizer.

The Riverhounds started their 2016 USL preseason with a victory away against Penn State University and home against Ohio State University. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh were unable to complete the Big Ten Conference sweep this weekend as they fell to University of Michigan.

Weekend Preview: March 11, 2016

Philadelphia Union: Away at Columbus Crew SC, 7:30pm Saturday March 12. Available on MLS Live.

After an opening weekend loss to FC Dallas, the Philadelphia Union travel to Columbus to take on Crew SC at Mapfre Stadium. Columbus lost their first match of the season 2 – 1 to the Portland Timbers is an 2015 MLS Cup rematch. Philadelphia has lost four of their last five matches against the Crew and will face another serious challenge on the road this weekend.

Staff Prediction: Columbus Crew SC 2 – 1 Philadelphia Union

USL Preseason

Pittsburgh Riverhounds: Host Michigan University, 12:00pm Sunday March 13

USL

Bethlehem Steel FC: 14 days until away at FC Montreal (7:00pm)

Harrisburg City Islanders: 15 days until away at Richmond Kickers (5:00pm)

Pittsburgh Riverhounds: 22 days until host Rochester Rhinos (7:00pm)

NPSL

Erie Commodores FC: 77 days until away at FC Buffalo (7:00pm)

The schedule for the Keystone Conference has not yet been released.

USL 2016 Preseason Calendar

Pennsylvania’s three USL clubs have released their 2016 Preseason Schedules, including the first head-to-head match between Bethlehem Steel FC and Harrisburg City Islanders.

Bethlehem will prepare for their inaugural season with a five matches against USL opponents and top NCAA programs. They begin their preseason against Syracuse University at the Philadelphia Union’s Training Center in Chester, PA. Steel FC will then host Harrisburg in a Keystone Derby preview match on March 15. They finish their preseason with three matches in three days against NYRB II in New Jersey, Penn State in University Park, and Georgetown University in Chester, PA.

Harrisburg have five away games scheduled before the 2016 USL season. Their first match of the preseason is against Penn State in University Park, PA before heading to Maryland to face UMBC three days later. The City Islanders then move on to Bethlehem to face Lehigh University on March 10 and then stay in Lehigh Valley to take on Bethlehem Steel FC. Harrisburg finish their preseason with a match against NYRB II in New Jersey.

Pittsburgh scheduled four games this preseason against regional NCCA programs. They begin their preseason in University Park, PA against Penn State on February 27. The Riverhounds will then return home and host Ohio State and the University of Michigan at Highmark Stadium. Their final match of the preseason will be against the University of Akron on March 18, though the time and location have not yet been announced.

The USL season kicks off on March 25 with Bethlehem Steel FC traveling to Canada to face FC Montreal. The Harrisburg City Islanders begin their season away against the Richmond Kickers. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have to wait until the next weekend when they host the Rochester Rhinos at Highmark Stadium.