With his speed, Christiano François often slips behind the opposing defense.
Sprinting down the sidelines, the attacking midfielder has found ways to drive the ball into the opposing penalty area – even if he can’t dribble it into the space himself. Last time out in the squad’s 2-1 victory against the Richmond Kickers, he led the team with 10 total crosses as it recorded a season-high 14 shots from inside the 18-yard box.
This weekend, François and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (5-1-6) prepare for another elite attack, as they clash with New York Red Bulls II (5-3-5) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. This match will be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW.
“I’m trying to get assists,” François said about his frequent crosses. “It’s something coach [Bob Lilley] wants me to work on. I’ve been getting better on it.”
As the Cabaret, Haiti native continues to perfect his crosses, the Hounds have drilled pressure in practice this week. Forcing turnovers and amassing interceptions will be important against an explosive New York attack, which leads the Eastern Conference with 25 goals after Week 13 action. When Pittsburgh has had a chance to counter during the season, François and defender Jordan Dover often have been at the root of these opportunities.
The duo has been paired together much of the season on the right side of the pitch, including the squad’s most recent game against Richmond. In this match, François averaged the second highest position and Dover the fourth highest position of those who cracked the starting lineup, exemplifying their willingness to feed off each other on the break.
The comfortableness they share can be traced back to their time as teammates last year. Playing for the Rochester Rhinos in 2017, that is when they each became familiar with the other’s style of play.
“It is getting better,” François said about working alongside Dover. “We try to understand each other better. Last year was a good year, but this year we’re trying to improve our chemistry, put in the work together and help the team win games.”
Being two weeks since they last took the field in league play, the Hounds will look to win their second straight match. Like many of his teammates, François used this off time to regroup, although he still scheduled time for workout sessions away from the pitch to stay ready for the showdown this week.
Red Bulls II will present one of the toughest matchups for the Hounds this season to date. Sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, New York will mark the second time Pittsburgh will play a team currently positioned top five in the table.
“New York Red Bulls II has a good team,” François said. “They have so many good players. It’s going to be a tough game for both teams. We’re at home, so we have the advantage. We’re going to try to go hard and try to win the game.”
