To close out the regular season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (15-4-14) will travel to New York Red Bulls II (12-8-13) for a match at 5 p.m. on Sunday at MSU Soccer Park. The Hounds won their first meeting, 3-0, on June 16 at Highmark Stadium.
Potential Preview
When the Hounds and Red Bulls II face off on Sunday, it could very well be a preview of what is to come in the first round of the playoffs. Currently, Pittsburgh is locked into the No. 3 seed whereas New York holds the No. 6 seed. If all falls right on the final week of regular season play, the two sides could see each other once again on Oct. 20 at Highmark Stadium.
Missed Moments
Last time out against Atlanta United 2, the Hounds posted a season-high 27 total shots, which brings their total to 45 shots for the past two games. Despite averaging more than 20 shots per game during this stretch, Pittsburgh has only netted one goal. The Black and Gold will look to up its conversion rate this Sunday.
Catalyzing Chances
With an assist against Atlanta on Wednesday, Christiano François increases his season total to five helpers. In addition to this point, the attacking midfielder also tied for the team lead with seven chances created. In 2017, he led the Rochester Rhinos with six assists and finds himself one off this mark with one game remaining in the regular season.
Reaching 2,819 minutes for the campaign last time out against Atlanta United 2, Thomas Vancaeyezeele set a single-season club record. He surpasses Kevin Kerr’s 2017 mark of 2,813 minutes.
The Hounds will need to have a strong defensive showing against New York. Red Bulls II leads the entire USL with 608 shots, in addition to averaging 2.09 goals per game. If Pittsburgh can slow down the New York attack, it will have a chance at three points, as the Red Bulls II defense has been shaky, allowing 1.76 goals per match.
