 
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
              
|
Sunday, July 30, 2000 By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
Riverhounds General Manager Dave Kasper and Coach John Kowalski continue to tinker with the roster as they try to find the right mix for a late-season push toward the A-League playoffs.
One week after releasing midfielder Jair Vasquez, the Riverhounds are expected to release midfielder David Husbands tomorrow, the final day roster moves can be made.
With that move, the Riverhounds have three open roster spots.
Kowalski said the Riverhounds were pursuing four players. He said one or more could be added to the roster by tomorrow.
"We are talking with four players with A-League experience with a proven track record in the goal-scoring department," Kowalski said. "That's what we need, consistent scoring. We're not getting it every game.
"We have to position ourselves. From an administrative point of view, we have to make the playoffs. Whatever we have to do, we'll do. Whether that's one, two, three or seven or eight moves. But we've decided that we don't need sweeping changes.
The Riverhounds (7-11-1) are in last place in the Atlantic Division, 14 points removed from a playoff berth. With nine games remaining, the next three at home, the Riverhounds probably need to win seven of those nine to make the playoffs.
Winning at home is imperative, especially the next two against Tennessee (6-11) tonight and Cincinnati (1-15-2) Saturday. They conclude the homestand Aug. 11 against first-place Richmond (15-4).
After playing their inaugural season in the Northeast Division, the Riverhounds are finding the Atlantic tough sledding.
"We absolutely have to win these three games," Kowalski said. "The way the schedule worked out ... we would have liked to have played Cincinnati six times like Minnesota has. Maybe our record would be better. But that's not the case this year."
Despite the steep uphill climb and an ever-changing roster, Kowalski said the players are upbeat as they head into this crucial stretch of games.
"We had a great meeting after practice [Thursday]," Kowalski said. "It seemed like we bottomed out against Charleston [a 4-0 loss two weeks ago]. We played well against Rochester and beat Hampton Roads. We all feel like we've jumped on a trampoline. We've propelled our confidence."
If the Riverhounds are going to make a run, they are going to have to do it with a retooled lineup. Tenywa "T-Bone" Bonseu, the team's best defender, must sit out tonight's game because of excessive yellow cards. Rookie defender David Wright will take his place in the lineup.
The Riverhounds also will be without the services of midfielders Goran Vasic (pelvis), Edward Child (hernia), Adam Fedoruk (knee) and defender Bobby Meyer (back). Midfielder Alan Eller, who had a stomach virus earlier in the week, should be able to play against Tennessee.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Matchup: Tennessee Rhythm (6-11) vs. Riverhounds (7-11-1), 7:35 p.m., Bethel Park Stadium.