Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (14-4-9) takes on Nashville SC (16-7-6) in a matchup with major playoff implications at 8 p.m. on Saturday at First Tennessee Park. The two sides played to a 2-2 draw on April 27 at Highmark Stadium.
Dazzling Daniel
The Hounds will try to slow down one of the biggest scoring threats in the entire USL Championship on Saturday. 24-year-old Daniel Ríos has potted 17 goals this season, accounting for 34 percent of the club’s scoring this year. His 17 tallies ranks second-most in the league, and the most in the Eastern Conference.
Scoreless Streak
The Black and Gold have not allowed a goal since Aug. 17. In the last four games, the Hounds have posted a combined score of 6-0. Since the scoreless streak began, Kyle Morton has notched seven saves.
Count on Dos Santos
Steevan Dos Santos has been a major factor in the Hounds’ attack this season. The club is undefeated when he scores a goal (9-0-0). In addition, he has factored in to five of the last six goals scored by the team (three goals and two assists).
By the Numbers: 12
With 12 regular season clean sheets in the Black and Gold, Kyle Morton is now tied with Dan Lynd for the third-most shutouts in club history.
Playoff Picture
Riverhounds SC’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is down to six points. With 51 points, the Hounds currently hold the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and are right behind Nashville. A key match in terms of clinching playoff berth is when the Charleston Battery play Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday night. With a Battery loss, this magic number will be cut to three, meaning the Hounds could clinch playoff berth with a win against Nashville on Saturday.
