After falling to Tampa Bay, 2-0, in a tough road match, the Riverhounds (5-8-8) look to bounce back at home this Saturday against Richmond (3-11-7). The Kickers defeated the Hounds, 2-1, in their first meeting this season.
Road woes
Richmond has not fared well in road matches this season, holding a 0-6-4 record away from City Stadium. In their last three road games, the Kickers have not scored a goal (most recent road tally came against Bethlehem Steel FC on July 1). A low-scoring affair could result in the Hounds recording their eighth shutout this year.
Even Stephen
Stephen Okai has started each of the Hounds’ past three matches, playing all but one minute in this timeframe. Suiting up next to Victor Souto, Okai has helped hold down the midfield. The Accra, Ghana native has seven tackles and eight clearances this season and figures to play a key role in ball control moving forward.
Wherefore art thou Romeo?
In the Hounds’ past four matches, Romeo Parkes has been missing from the frontline. Instead, he has lined up on the wing and helped catalyze the Hounds attack. Parkes will try to replicate his two-assist performance against Charleston on July 26, the last time Pittsburgh played at Highmark Stadium, this weekend.
Last time out against the Rowdies, Gale Agbossoumonde recorded a 100 percent passing accuracy. The center back completed all 12 of his passes before being subbed out in the 45th minute.
Fred Owusu Sekyere is tied for the second-most goals (2) on the club, paces Richmond in assists (3) and remains one of the strongest scoring threats on the team. In Pittsburgh and Richmond’s first meeting this year, Sekyere scored the first of two goals for the Kickers. The Hounds defense will need to lock in on the midfielder on Saturday.
