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NPSL/WPSL Weekend Roundup: Late surge helps Hotspurs’ men earn weekend split

File Photo courtesy Brad Oskowski

It was a busy weekend for the area’s NPSL and WPSL men’s and women’s teams.

On the men’s side, Pittsburgh Hotspurs split a pair of matches, getting beat handily on the road, 6-1, to Cleveland FC on Friday, but rebounded in a big way, beating Syracuse FC, 2-1, in its home opener on Sunday, with goals coming in the match’s final 10 minutes from Nick Kolarac and Ethan Hackenberg.

In WPSL action, both Pittsburgh Hotspurs and Century United played on Saturday afternoon, with the Hotspurs coming away with their first win of the season, beating Croatia Juniors, 3-1, while Century United came up short, 3-1 in its rematch with the Cleveland Ambassadors.


NPSL 

Cleveland FC 6, Pittsburgh Hotspurs 1 (Friday, June 4) 

NPSL Game Report

Cleveland broke open the match with a late first half goal in the 45th minute, then exploded for four second half goals to hand the Pittsburgh Hotspurs its first loss of the season, 6-1, at Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, OH on Friday night.

Tate Mohney scored the lone goal for the Hotspurs.

Here’s how the Hotspurs lined up against Cleveland.

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Pittsburgh Hotspurs 2, Syracuse FC 1 (Sunday, June 6)

NPSL Game Report 

The Hotspurs rebounded from Friday’s loss by returning to Pittsburgh and winning its first home match at Founders Field before a lively crowd in dramatic fashion, scoring two goals in the match’s final 10 minutes to walk away with the full three points.

After allowing an early first half goal to Syracuse, the Hotspurs pushed hard for the equalizer into the late stages of the second half.

Finally, in the 80th minute, team captain Nick Kolarac took matters into his own, turning then delivering a perfect finish into the left corner to level the match.

After seizing the momentum back in the match, the Hotspurs created a fantastic build-up into the box in the match’s 89th minute, with Ethan Hackenberg earning the game-winner.

Next up for the Hotspurs, they’ll host FC Buffalo, at Founders Field on Friday evening, June 11 (7 p.m. kickoff).


WPSL 

Cleveland Ambassadors 3, Century United 1 (Saturday, June 5) 

Century United will seek its first WPSL win in its next match, on Saturday, June 12, at Croatia Juniors.

Pittsburgh Hotspurs 3, Croatian Juniors 1 (Saturday, June 5)

From Pittsburgh Hotspurs report 

Taylor Hamlett opened the scoring in the 17th minute, then Janson Jamison doubled the lead in the 33rd minute at the back post to finish off a brilliant move by Jenna Dubs to double the lead.  The Hotspurs found an insurance goal in the 87th minute from Helena Spencer in a match played at Founders Field.

With the result, the Hotspurs (1-0-1) remain unbeaten in WPSL play through two games.

Here’s how the Hotspurs lined up on Saturday.

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They’ll play again on Saturday, June 12, at Motor City FC.

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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