Riverhounds SC (4-0-5) will be facing in-state rival Penn FC (2-3-4) for the second time this season in the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery. The match will be played at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 26 at Highmark Stadium.
Earlier this season, Penn FC drew with the Hounds in the first meeting of the Keystone Derby on March 31. Since then, Penn FC has recorded a record of 2-3-4 with a 1-2-2 record on the road, with its last USL game being played on May 9 against Toronto FC II. Outside of the USL, Penn FC recently lost to the Richmond Kickers, 3-2 in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Penn FC’s backline has remained strong this season, allowing one goal or less in seven of its last nine league matches. In the club’s last USL win against Toronto FC II, Sean Lewis appeared for his third start of the season earning his second clean sheet. Also leading the back are defenders Pedro Galvão, Harri Hawkins, Kyle Venter and Haruna Shaibu, who held off Toronto’s attack allowing them only two shots in the full 90 minutes of play.
Strengths
Goals allowed: With an average of 0.8 goals per game, Penn FC’s defense has allowed only seven goals in the past nine league matches.
In the air: With only six goals scored this season, Penn FC has taken advantage of its opportunities in the air scoring half of its tallies off of headers.
Weaknesses
The attack: Penn FC’s offense has struggled on the attack, averaging less than a goal game to date. With the lack of scoring and a conversion rate of 8.5 percent, the team sits second to last and last in the East in these categories, respectively.
Discipline: Discipline has not been one of Penn FC’s strong suits, conceding 113 fouls this season and being dealt 22 yellow cards – one of only four teams in the East with 20 or more cautions.
