Pink the Pitch- Opening Weekend Preview

May 5th, 2015

Saints prepare for “Pink the Pitch” doubleheader

Charlie Hatch

The Cincinnati Saints and Lady Saints have their first doubleheader of the season Saturday night at Withrow High School’s Angus King Stadium.

The Lady Saints kick off at 5:00 p.m. in their first Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) match, when they host the Columbus Eagles.

“We have a lot of new faces,” Lady Saints midfielder Jen Maslyn said. “But this is our second season in the WPSL, so we kind of know what we’re looking at as far as competition.”

“We’ve been finding our fit at practice. Once we get that down to a science, I think we’ll be good once the season gets started.”

After finishing third in the region in 2014, the Lady Saints were left out of the WPSL playoffs, with Motor City FC and FC Indiana progressing from the Great Lakes region. Maslyn said her goal would be revenge and a shot at a postseason run.

“Our biggest competition last year was (Motor City) and FC Indiana,” Maslyn said. “So I feel like we’re kid of gunning for them.”

The Saints will play immediately following the Lady Saints game at 7:00 p.m.

And despite the match’s labeling as a friendly, the Saints are treating their final preseason fixture as more than a tune up.

They’ll face the Dayton Dutch Lions, a squad currently in the USL Premier Development League. The Saints play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

“Anytime you can step out here, the atmosphere should be decent,” captain James Thomas said. “It’ll be a little bit of a rivalry with Dayton and Cincinnati, so you definitely want to put your best foot forward, even if it’s a friendly heading into the season.”

For second-year coach Dave Wall, the clash with the Dutch Lions allows the coach to implement the direction he wants to see the club take moving forward. 

“Obviously we prepare to try and win every game, whether it’s a friendly or a cup game.” coach Wall said. “Even if it’s just an 11v11 game (at practice). It’s kind of the mindset we’re trying to establish and the culture we’re trying to establish.”

The “Pink the Pitch” doubleheader is partnered with the Pink Ribbon Girls, a charity providing support to families and individuals fighting breast cancer. There will also be split the pot and raffles to support the charity.

The Pink Ribbon girls are based out of Troy.

Who: Cincinnati Saints, Cincinnati Lady Saints

What: Pink the Pitch doubleheader

When: Saturday night, 5 p.m. Lady Saints, 7 p.m. Saints

Where: Angus King Stadium (Withrow High School)

How: Order tickets at -- http://cincinnatisaints.ticketmob.com/event.cfm?id=95964&cart