After a close defeat on the road against the Richmond Kickers, Pittsburgh (1-3-2) returns to Highmark Stadium for the first match of the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery, against the Harrisburg City Islanders (2-1-1) this Saturday.
Keystone Cup: Round No. 1
After winning the inaugural Keystone Derby Cup in 2015, the Riverhounds fell just short in 2016, compiling a 0-1-2 record against the in-state rivals. Like previous seasons, the Hounds and the City Islanders are jockeying for position in the standings, as Harrisburg sits just two points ahead of the Black and Gold. The first match of the three-game series will have table position on the line, in addition to the Cup.
Trading places
This offseason, goalkeeper Keasel Broome and defender Shane Campbell came to Pittsburgh after spending the 2016 campaign on the other side of the rivalry with Harrisburg. Broome has started two games in net, recording four saves and one punch with the Hounds thus far in 2017. On the other hand, Campbell has not yet made an appearance for the Hounds this season. As the Keystone Cup is up for grabs, it will be an emotional game for both Broome and Campbell, who will battle against old friends, teammates and coaches.
Nail biters
All six of the Hounds’ matches in 2017 have been decided by no more than one goal. Furthermore, six of seven matches in Derby Cup history have been decided by no more than one tally, including all six of the past games between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Look for another close game on Saturday.
Marshall Hollingsworth has five points this season, which is tied for second most on the team. The midfielder recorded two points his last time out against Richmond on April 22, scoring his second goal of the season.
The City Islanders have five goals this season, and different players have accounted for all five tallies. The Hounds will need to account for a number of players on the Harrisburg attack this Saturday.
