Pittsburgh – For the second week in a row, Pittsburgh Riverhounds midfielder, Matt Dallman, was selected to the USL PRO Team of the Week. Dallman’s selection for Week 10 of the 2013 USL PRO season came after recording a goal and an assist in the Riverhounds 2-0 victory over the Antigua Barracuda FC, a game that secured an undefeated record for the Riverhounds in USL PRO action for the Club in the month of May.
“It’s great to make Team of the Week again, but I’m happier that the team is starting to put some good performances together and remain undefeated in five league games,” said Dallman.
Dallman’s assist to his teammate Mike Seth in the 18th minute of play was his sixth of the season and currently leads the league above Nathaniel Robinson of the Richmond Kickers and Jamie Watson of Orlando City, who each have recorded five assists.
“In my opinion, Mike Seth has scored our goal of the year so far,” said Dallman. “I am lucky to have had the assist, because it was a very difficult finish.”
Dallman also scored his first goal of the season in Friday night’s game, a left-footed strike across the face of Antigua’s goalkeeper, Molvin James.
“My goal was just the result of some fantastic movement from Jhonny and Kevin,” said Dallman.
Dallman’s goal earned $2,000 for the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado.
For each goal the Riverhounds scored against the Barracuda, corporate partners Highmark, Shallenberger Construction, 84 Lumber, and Century United Soccer Club each generously donated $500 to help the tornado relief efforts.
The two goals scored by the Riverhounds as well as individual donations collected throughout the game earned the American Red Cross over $5,600.
This week is Dallman’s fourth selection to the USL PRO Team of the Week for the 2013 season. The midfielder from Portland received recognition in Week Four for his assist to the Riverhounds’ lone goal against Harrisburg at Highmark Stadium on April 13 in front of a sold out crowd (3,922), honorable mention in Week Five for stellar play against the Dayton Dutch Lions, and Week Nine recognition for his two assists in the 2-1 victory over the Phoenix FC Wolves.
“Matt’s hard work and perseverance are really beginning to pay off for him and are paying huge dividends for our team,” said Riverhounds Head Coach Justin Evans. “I am very happy that Matt’s efforts are being recognized throughout our league and look forward to him continuing on his offensive frenzy throughout the remainder of the season.”
Joining Dallman this week are forward Jhonny Arteaga and midfielder Kevin Kerr, who both received honorable mentions. In Friday’s game, Arteaga recorded the assist for Dallman’s goal, while Kerr had a standout performance in his midfield position, helping to maintain possession of the ball in the offensive half of the field, despite the Riverhounds playing down a man for 68 minutes due to a red card ejection of Mike Seth.
Dallman and the Riverhounds continue their home stand in the month of June with a game against league rivals, Rochester Rhinos, on Saturday, June 1, at Highmark Stadium. On June 7, the Riverhounds welcome Toronto FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) to Highmark Stadium for a T-shirt giveaway night sponsored by Highmark. The Club concludes the home stand against the defending league champions, Charleston Battery, on Saturday, June 15. Following the game against Charleston, a fireworks display provided by Pyrotecnico will light up the Pittsburgh skyline. Kick off for each game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.