Opening with a draw against Indy Eleven to begin its two-game road trip, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (12-3-10) now will travel to FC Cincinnati (17-3-6) for a showdown at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. The Hounds will be looking for their first-ever win at the venue (0-1-2).
Turn the Table
The clash between FC Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will mark a battle between the first and third place teams in the Eastern Conference, respectively. Currently, Cincinnati holds an 11-point lead over the Hounds. Despite the large lead, Pittsburgh can still reel in the Queen City team. Including Saturday, the Hounds still play FC Cincinnati twice this season and have one game in hand.
One for Me, One for You
Christiano François has been all over the pitch this season for the Hounds. Last time out against Indy, the attacking midfielder posted a goal and an assist, becoming just the second Hound to notch at least one of each in a single game this season (Neco Brett recorded a goal and an assist in a match thrice this year). In the midst of a career year, François remains one of the most dangerous players on the Black and Gold attack.
Dog House
After serving a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Thomas Vancaeyezeele will return to the Pittsburgh lineup. However, as the team gets its 2018 minutes leader back another Hound will be out while serving a one-game suspension. Picking up a red card last time out against the Eleven, defender Ray Lee will be forced to sit out the upcoming FC Cincinnati tilt.
With goalkeeper Mike Kirk starting last time out against Indy, the Hounds now have three different goalkeepers (Dan Lynd and Kyle Morton) who have started at least three games and have a goals-against average less than 1.00.
For just the third time this season, the Hounds have allowed goals in back-to-back matches. The team has yet to allow a goal in three straight games this campaign. Against a high-powered Cincinnati offense, which averages 2.04 goals per game, Pittsburgh will need to heighten its defensive pressure on Saturday.
