Defeating Toronto FC II, 4-0, last time out, Riverhounds SC earned its first victory of the season. Now the Hounds (1-0-2) look to ride this momentum into a showdown against Ottawa Fury FC (0-2-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. In their previous meeting, which came in the 2017 season finale, the two squads came away with one point apiece, drawing 1-1.
24 Points
With its win last time out against Toronto FC II, Riverhounds SC moved its all-time record against current USL teams stationed in Canada to 7-0-3. Against Ottawa, the Hounds are 1-0-1 all-time. Pittsburgh will look to extend its streak this weekend and keep a zero in the loss column.
Hats Off
In the first start of his Riverhounds SC career, Neco Brett powered the offense with a hat trick and seven total points last time out. Brett’s hat trick propelled him to a tie for second place in the USL Eastern Conference with three goals. Recording time in every match of the season to date, the striker is poised to play another large role against Ottawa Fury FC on Saturday.
Lockdown, Shutdown, Shutout
The Hounds defense has smothered opposing offenses in 2018, recording three straight clean sheets to open the season. The current 270-minute shutout streak is the longest to commence a season in team history during the current era of USL play (since 2011). Pittsburgh will search for its fourth straight clean sheet this weekend, which is a feat the team hasn’t yet accomplished in the current USL era.
With his start against Toronto FC II last time out, Kevin Kerr logged his 134th career game played with Pittsburgh. Moving ahead of Mike Green for third place all-time in team history, only David Flavius (182) and Gary DePalma (145) rank ahead of him.
Although he hasn’t yet notched a point in Ottawa’s first two games this season, Steevan Dos Santos presents a dangerous threat to the Pittsburgh backline. The Mindelo, Cape Verde native led Fury FC with 10 goals in 2017. The striker also has former ties with Hounds head coach Bob Lilley, playing for him while with the Rochester Rhinos from 2015-16.
