After notching its first point of the season, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (0-1-1) will look for its first win of the season, as the club battles Bethlehem Steel FC (1-2-0) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium. This match will be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW.
New Blood
Last time out was a game of firsts for the Hounds. Goalkeeper Ben Lundgaard and defender Caleb Smith each made their professional debuts whereas midfielder Anthony Velarde scored his first professional goal. All three players are poised to play key roles for the team moving forward.
King Kenny
Kenardo Forbes picked up where he left off, notching his first assist of the season last time out. The midfielder led the Hounds with eight helpers last year and currently has the team’s only assist through two matches. This weekend against Steel FC, Forbes will continue to serve as a catalyst for the club.
Role Reversal
Thus far into the young season, the Hounds have received offensive output from their center backs. Tobi Adewole scored the team’s first goal of 2019 last time out against the Swope Park Rangers. In addition, Joe Greenspan leads the club with three shots. Look for the duo to factor in on set pieces in the attacking third.
By the Numbers: 10
Ten of the Hounds’ 13 total shots last time out against the Rangers came from inside of the penalty area.
Key to Victory: Shut ‘Em Out
In its past two games, Bethlehem has failed to score a goal. This could be a good sign for a Pittsburgh team that is looking for its first clean sheet of the season. Last year, the Hounds posted 17 shutouts in 34 regular season matches. The Black and Gold will need a strong defensive showing on the road this weekend to propel them to three points.
