Seeking a bounce back effort after its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end earlier this week, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-0-5) now readies for the second of three legs of the Keystone Derby Cup, presented by K&L Gates and the Pennsylvania Lottery. The Hounds will battle Penn FC (2-3-4) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.
Sheets So Fresh, So Clean
Tying each other 0-0 in the first stanza of the Keystone Derby, Riverhounds SC and Penn FC each remain tied at one point apiece as they vie for the rivalry trophy. Going into Saturday’s match, the Hounds have shut out their in-state foe in four consecutive meetings. The last time Penn FC notched a tally in the series came off the foot of Craig Foster on August 27, 2016.
All Hands on Deck
Neco Brett paces all Hounds with five goals on the season, which ranks tied for first in the Eastern Conference after Week 10 action. After the striker’s efforts this year, Pittsburgh has featured deep depth in its offensive attack, as six different players are tied for No. 2 on the club with one goal apiece. Last week against Tampa Bay, striker Romeo Parkes became one in this group of six, as he was the only Hound to have scored in the match (the Rowdies also posted an own goal).
Captain’s Orders
Kevin Kerr has had tremendous success against Penn FC throughout his career. Tallying more than one fourth of his career league play goals (six of 23) against the formerly named Harrisburg City Islanders, the captain has scored the most goals against this club in Pittsburgh history. Kerr will look to continue his success against Penn FC this Saturday.
With a game-high seven tackles against Tampa Bay on May 19, outside defender Jordan Dover now leads the team with 26 tackles on the season.
With the Hounds in the midst of playing six games in 18 days due to additional Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, it will especially require the team’s depth to shine through this weekend. Noah Franke, Bakie Goodman and Mike Kirk recently made their respective team debuts, and the Hounds may need additional fresh legs from players with lower minute counts against Penn FC.
