A Few Reasons Pittsburgh Soccer Fans Can Be Thankful…

If you like soccer and you are from Western Pennsylvania – you should have a lot to be thankful for.    This has been a banner year for soccer in our region.
Here are a few reasons why:
 
 
Rob Vincent…
It was a banner year for the third year Riverhounds midfielder, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, including this game winner in the U.S. Open Cup to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

“The Miracle on the Mon” 
There were about 2,000 people at Highmark Stadium on May 30. An incredible game, with a remarkable comeback for the ages.
https://youtu.be/1ioTYxKVRXk
Major Clash With D.C. United
Highmark Stadium was about to bust out from the seams on June 17.   Unfortunately, despite taking the United to extra time, the Hounds lost 3-1 mostly on the strength on goals from set pieces.
https://youtu.be/3LfILDPDrGg
 
Incredible Supporters Group
The Steel Army are awesome.  Here’s one reason why…

And finally, Pittsburgh’s WORLD CUP Champion…

Pittsburgh’s banner year for soccer also included a breakout year for one of our own.   Gibsonia’s Meghan Klingenberg, a Pine-Richland graduate, who after a stellar career at the University of North Carolina, finally broke into the rotation to the top of the depth charts for the United States Women’s Senior National Team.   Klingenberg earned a starting spot with her play late in 2014 – and into 2015 when the USWNT roster for the World Cup would be announced.
https://youtu.be/pT7b2KjLpI0
With the World Cup victory – came incredible amount of celebrity, parades, celebrations and much more.
The U.S. Women then began their “Victory Tour” of exhibition games right here in the Steel City – on August 16 at Heinz Field.   It became a homecoming  — and coming out party for the spirited Klingenberg.   After she scored early in the second half, she got to really celebrate – Pittsburgh style – waving a terrible towel before the record crowd of more than 42,000 that exploded when she scored.
https://youtu.be/ZnhSKKAI2tM