Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Riverhounds striker Jose Angulo was named USL PRO Player of the Week for Week 14 after scoring three goals in two games, completing a spectacular six-point sweep this weekend against the Harrisburg City Islanders and the Antigua Barracudas. The former NY Red Bulls striker has now scored 10 goals this season, and sits second among the USL PRO goal-scoring leaders.
Angulo was at the center of the Riverhounds’ dramatic comeback victory against one of his former sides, the Harrisburg City Islanders, on Friday night. Facing a two-goal halftime deficit on the road, Angulo began the Riverhounds’ rally with a penalty kick early in the second half. He then gave his side the lead for the first time in the game, hitting home a first-time finish after Ryan Kinne’s initial effort had been blocked.
Two days later, Angulo continued his strong run of form as the Riverhounds defeated Antigua to move into the playoff places for the first time this season. Angulo was credited with an assist on Darren Amoo’s second goal of the game, with his excellent free kick coming back off the post to allow for an easy tap-in on the rebound, and then added the final goal of the game. Angulo has now scored in five consecutive games, recording a goal in each of the Riverhounds’ games in the month of June.
Angulo was joined on the Team of the Week by Amoo, who also had three goals in two games for the Riverhounds during the weekend. Amoo’s goal against Harrisburg on Friday was his first of the season, and he followed up with a brace against Antigua, including a beautifully struck half-volley that opened the scoring against the Barracudas.
“This is an incredible honor,” said Angulo after receiving news on his Player of the Week recognition. “As a whole, we had a really great weekend of play. Claiming six points in league standings is huge for us as we continue to make the final push towards playoffs.”
This is Angulo’s first time being named USL PRO Player of the Week and is his fourth time being recognized on the USL PRO Team of the Week for the 2013 season (Weeks 6, 9, and 13). Angulo has also received honorable mentions four times (Weeks 2, 5, 10, and 12).
The two wins this weekend extend the Riverhounds unbeaten streak to 10 as well as move the Club up in league standings, where they currently sit in 8th place below the Charlotte Eagles, who are scheduled to arrive at Highmark Stadium next week for the second and final leg of the 2013 regular season series between the two clubs.
Making honorable mentions this week for the Riverhounds are Matt Dallman and Rob Vincent. Dallman continues to lead the league in assists with 10 after setting up Amoo for a goal against the City Islanders as well as one to Vincent against the Barracudas. Vincent receives honors for his standout performance this weekend with a strong attacking form against the City Islanders Friday and scoring a goal against the Barracudas on Sunday.
The Riverhounds are off this weekend and return to Highmark Stadium on Thursday, July 4 to take on the Charlotte Eagles for the second and final leg of the 2013 regular season. Following the game, the Riverhounds invite patrons to remain at Highmark Stadium for top-notch seats for the Downtown Pittsburgh’s Independence Day fireworks display.