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Pittsburgh Hotspurs capture NPSL’s Members Cup

Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Hotspurs Twitter

On the second and final day of competition in the NPSL’s 2020 Members Cup played between four ‘Rust-Belt’ clubs, Pittsburgh Hotspurs came away with a 3-0 victory against the Erie Commodores, earning the second-year NPSL club its first ever trophy, as they squeezed through to the top of the four-team table.

The Hotspurs didn’t waste any time getting out to the lead, scoring just 45 seconds into the match when Nicky Kolarac finished it off after an assist from Tate Mohney.

In the 37th minute, Mohney got into the scoring column with a volley from 12 yards from a pass in from Gabe Norris.

The Hotspurs took a commanding 3-0 lead at the end of the first half when Nate Dragisich set up Nathan Dos Santos.

The 3-0 lead would hold up through the second half, and to the final whistle.

After the second match between Cleveland and Buffalo saw two very late goals from Cleveland, the Hotspurs (1-0-1, 4 points, +3 GD) edged out the rest of the group in goal differential.

Here’s a look at the Hotspurs’ lineup, featuring mostly current college players and Kolarac, a former Riverhounds SC midfielder and West Allegheny standout.

NPSL MEMBERS CUP STANDINGS

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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