Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (9-3-8) looks to extend its three-game winning streak against the Swope Park Rangers (3-11-6) at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The two teams played earlier this city in Kansas City, Kansas, completing the match in a 2-2 draw.
Keeping the Train Moving
The Riverhounds have been moving up the table in recent months, and currently sit in the sixth position in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings. In the Hounds’ last nine matches, Pittsburgh has collected points in eight of those games with seven being victories. The Hounds will be looking to extend their winning ways against the Rangers.
Eastbound Travel
Swope Park Rangers are entering their fourth season in the USL Championship; however, this is their first as part of the Eastern Conference. The Rangers have had difficulty adjusting to their new competition, collecting only three total wins. Swope Park currently resides in last place in the Eastern Conference and will have a tough test in the streaking Riverhounds this Saturday.
Morton Mayhem
Goalkeeper Kyle Morton collected his fifth clean sheet of the season in a 4-0 victory against Memphis 901 FC last Saturday night. When starting in net for the Riverhounds, Pittsburgh has collected points in 11 of 12 matches Morton has been a part of.
Trio of Scorers
The Riverhounds have three players tied for the team lead in goals this season with six apiece. Forwards Steevan Dos Santos and Neco Brett and midfielder Robbie Mertz have been the centerpieces in the Hounds’ attack this season. Swope Park defenders will have to be wary of these players in the attacking zone.
By the Numbers: 11
The Riverhounds have collected points in 11 consecutive home matches this season with a record of 6-0-5. The Hounds will be looking to extend the streak at Highmark Stadium this Saturday night.
Key to Victory: Score First
The Riverhounds have darted up the leaderboard since the beginning June, climbing up the table by seven total spots. The Riverhounds will attempt to incorporate their forwards and midfielders in the attacking third as much as possible against Swope Park. When the Hounds score first, they have a distinct advantage. Pittsburgh has collected points in 14 of 15 matches when the team has scored first, obtaining nine victories as well.
