The Riverhounds completed an undefeated month of August with a 3-2 victory over Bethlehem Steel FC last time out, moving their winning streak to three games. Pittsburgh (8-8-9) now looks to carry over the momentum from a hot August into September and turns its attention to a road showdown against FC Cincinnati (9-9-7) at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Captain’s Courtesy
Kevin Kerr increased his team-leading assist total to five after notching two more against Bethlehem this past Saturday. The captain also added a goal in the match, bringing his season-point total to nine. In all, his effort against Bethlehem secured him USL Player of the Week honors. Look for Kerr, who leads the Eastern Conference with 53 chances created, to once again generate opportunities against FC Cincinnati.
Dual-threat
Known for his defensive prowess, Jamal Jack recorded his first goal in his Pittsburgh career this past weekend. The center back also tallied a season-high 12 clearances on the defensive end in the Hounds’ winning effort to add to his overall team-leading total of 122. Although he may be unlikely to score another goal on Saturday (Jack has four shots on the season), the defender will look to continue clearing away opposing scoring opportunities.
All Falls Down
Djiby Fall leads FC Cincinnati in goals (11), points (23) and shots (47). One of these tallies occurred in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati’s previous meeting this season and held up as the game-winner in a 1-0 match. The Hounds backline will need to lock in on Fall this weekend.
This past weekend, Corey Hertzog scored his 23rd career goal with the Hounds, moving him into a tie for fourth place with José Angulo and Phil Karn on the club’s all-time list. Hertzog and Karn are also tied for the most goals in club history by U.S.-born players.
During his first game in net for the Hounds, Matt Perrella stopped two of four shots faced and aided the club to three points. Now as he fills the void left by Trey Mitchell and Keasel Broome, who both underwent respective season-ending surgeries this month, Perrella will need to build off of the win and further his relationship with his backline.
