Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (11-4-8) travels back home for a showdown with Loudoun United FC (5-11-5) at 7 p.m. this Friday at Highmark Stadium. This marks the first-ever meeting between the clubs, as Loudoun is competing in its inaugural season in the USL Championship.
The Season So Far
Loudoun United FC has experienced growing pains in its first season in competition, collecting five total victories thus far. The month of August has not been kind to United FC, as Loudoun has lost three out of four matches this month, collecting points in one draw. Loudoun’s last win was a 3-1 victory on July 28 against Louisville City FC.
Players to Watch
Forward Kyle Murphy’s performance in the offensive half of the pitch has been stellar this season. Murphy leads Loudoun United FC in goals and shots with five and 39 respectively He is also tied for the team lead is assists with three. The Hounds’ backline will look to key on Murphy defensively and limit his effectiveness down the field.
Goalkeeping has been an area where multiple players have had their chance to compete in net for Loudoun. This season, four different goalkeepers have started in net for United FC. Of the four goalkeepers, Earl Edwards Jr. and Calle Brown have had the most action with 19 combined starts. Both keepers have a save success rate above 65 percent, so the Riverhounds will have to get shots inside the 18-yard box.
Strength: Passing Accuracy
United FC has one best passing accuracy percentages in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 79 percent of passes taken being successful. This mark holds fifth best in the Eastern Conference out of 18 total teams.
Weakness: Shots Taken
This season, Loudoun United FC has taken the fourth-fewest shots in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 245 total shots. The Riverhounds tend to limit the total number of shots and goals when playing at Highmark Stadium, so Loudoun may have trouble creating shot chances while along Pittsburgh’s South Shore Friday night.
