The United Soccer Leagues (USL) are a group of professional leagues with teams throughout the United States in all corners of the country. The league states that “professional soccer begins here” and for those in men’s professional USL, Friday’s nights are where dreams continue. We visited the match between the Richmond Kickers and Pittsburgh Riverhounds Friday night and realized that these leagues are more than just a game. Before the match you may find a couple players getting an espresso shot at the Starbucks in nearby, affluent Collier Township while a local law enforcement agent gives a child the reigns of his car siren. Players roll in independently as staff members speak ambiguously of the roster and little kid birthday party tents send high pitch jovial noises through the air. Some players bring in, or forget, the training equipment in the car. Others are dropped off by their significant other, but all walk through the same entrance as the fans.
On a beautiful night in western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds host the Richmond Kickers at a high school athletic complex for the Chartiers Valley Colts. The word “Colts” is still written across the field.
At warm ups their is a lone fan sitting in the visitor section 30 minutes before kickoff. A handful of hometown fans tailgate right outside the venue while their kids find anything to function as a goal. The smell of kettle corn rules the air while the sun begins to set over the trees. Eighteen minutes prior to game time the PA announcer clears the field asking the teams to head back to the locker room.
Soon thereafter the Steel Army, the Riverhounds’ supporters group, and the team mascot, Amo, make their presence felt. “Pittsburgh Reject” and “You’re not fit to wear the Pitt” chants cascade over Jason Yeisley, a former member of the home team followed by somewhat questionable “sucks” cries at the end of each opposing starting player announcement. The announcer allows the Army to yell out the last name of all home team starters. Six fans scatter in the stands on the far side as the Steel Army creates the atmosphere for the opening whistle.
An early scoring chance apiece in the first five minutes as Richmond’s Luke Vercollone found Edson Elcock in the penalty area only to see the shot go wide. A few seconds later Pittsburgh’s Stefan Lundberg found Shintaro Harada at the edge of the 18 who then hit the post behind keeper Ronnie Pascale. Twenty more minutes then passed without one solid scoring attempt.
Pittsburgh managed three early corners and two free kicks but early execution was not a big part of this game. There were a lot of hopeful balls and possession in the middle of the pitch. Richmond would even the free kick count but a quick counter sprung by Lundberg would result in a yellow to Pascale.
Richmond’s best first half chance would come off a corner when Shane Johnson headed a corner into the ground only to deflect off a teammate wide. Finally in the 45th minute Ricky Smith of the Riverhounds would muscle around a defender and fire one in the near top corner. It was the best skill shown in the first half and Smith was rewarded after Anthony Calvano led a pass to the isolated striker.
Back and forth play in the second half allowed the equalizer in the 71st minute as Vercollone hit a long ball over the defense. A headed ball by Niko Katic bounced free after Riverhounds’ keeper Hunter Gilstrap and the Kickers’ David Bulow collided. Matt Delicate headed the ball in and the match would end in a draw.
The match may be the main attraction, but there are other aspects of this league that can go overlooked as it is a starting point for more than just players and coaches. Walking into the gate you are greeted by a team of interns. Stacie Zollars wants to learn more about the game and the company so she adorns the bright orange Riverhounds shirt. David Hickes saw this as an amazing opportunity after playing soccer most of his life. Lambert Strayer made his mark as an American football player but loves his soccer and the city of Pittsburgh. They show no signs of pressure despite putting miles on their legs throughout the night. They are given an opportunity that could be a stepping stone in an organization that will allow them to see every aspect of a professional sport.
Piper’s Pub, a local British bar and restaurant, was the location for the rebirth of a supporters group after the Riverhounds were on a year hiatus. Proud members Ben Cole and MJ say the original run of scarves was for 100 but know the group is appreciated if only a handful show up. They are also part of Rust Belt Soccer and acknowledge the new stadium in the works for the Riverhounds is a dream come true. MJ points out that the location will allow for a new group of fans to walk or bike to home games.
There are players on these teams that are local guys holding onto a dream or players that have been on an MLS roster or an international guy looking for the next step. However, if one opens their eyes at games like this they will see they mean so much more. It produces a few jobs or opportunities to gain valuable experience. The integration of a younger generation is promising as they are exposed to the beautiful game. Most importantly it brings together a community.
Yes there is still some animosity in the stands. Just ask the lone person wearing an FC Bayern Munich jersey that was heavily outnumbered by Chelsea supporters in advance of the Champions League Final. There may have even been a certain finger pointed in his direction. Nevertheless, it did not feel threatening. Families enjoy the action in the stands together as all generations share in the evening. It has the feel of a high school American football game with children playing the game they see on the field and conversation is easily created. Old friends, neighbors, and strangers catch up while all the kids play without concern. Tension is low and there is a level of politeness not seen in day to day life. Other professional leagues have changed over the years and even lose their luster watching in person. That is not the case in the USL.
Obviously this was only one experience at one venue for the USL. However, it feels that stories like this could be told from Dayton, Charlotte, or Rochester. The dreams and opportunities are available in other leagues like the Premier Development League. These leagues are where interest in soccer is built. It is where enthusiasm is pure with groups like the Steel Army. It is where soccer can grow in popularity in the United States.
Thanks to those that spoke with us that evening and we hope we got your names right. Please enjoy the following photos from the action. All photos were taken by the author.