The Riverhounds (1-2-2) look to stay undefeated on the road this week, as they clash with the Richmond Kickers (1-3-0) at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Fresh off of a tie with the Charlotte Independence, this will be Pittsburgh’s second straight road test.
Kick-start
The Hounds struck first and early, just minutes after kickoff in their past couple games. Both goals came off the foot of Kay Banjo, who scored in the 5th minute against Saint Louis FC and in the 2nd minute against Charlotte. The UMBC product has provided Pittsburgh with another scoring threat to pair on the front line with Corey Hertzog, as his two goals have been the only tallies for the Black and Gold in the past two games. Look for Banjo to create more scoring chances against Richmond.
Scoring drought
Richmond has been shutout in its last three games, all by the score of 1-0. The team’s only goal this season occurred in its 1-0 season opener victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders. One cause for the Kickers’ scoring woes is a lack of shots on goal. In its four games this season, Richmond has recorded eight shots on target. In comparison, the Riverhounds have 19 shots on goal in five games this year.
Captaining the ship
Pittsburgh captain Kevin Kerr has displayed his versatility thus far this season, starting games at forward and midfield. Both of his shots have been on target, and he recorded three tackles and three clearances on the defensive side of the ball. Kerr is also one of two Hounds to play every minute this season (defender Jamal Jack being the second player). Once again, the captain should be all over the field this Saturday.
Center backs Joe Greenspan and Jack combined for 17 clearances against Charlotte last time out. As the Hounds defense has fought off a red card suspension and injuries during the early part of this season, the duo’s steady production has helped anchor the backline. Greenspan and Jack have started all seven of their combined appearances, and look for them to continue to hold down the center back positions against Richmond.
For the past three games, the Hounds’ possession percentage has decreased from 51 to 46, and then to 29 percent. Despite the lack of possession, the Black and Gold has outshot its opponents 32-31 during this stretch. There’s no telling how long Pittsburgh can keep outshooting its opponents with a dwindling possession time, so it may need to flip the script against Richmond this Saturday.
