Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (13-4-8) returns home to take on Louisville City FC (12-7-7) at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds defeated Louisville, 1-0, earlier this past April.
The Season So Far
Louisville City FC has been one of the most consistent teams in all of the USL Championship. The back-to-back USL Cup champions came into this season with high aspirations looking to make it three straight years, however this season has had its challenges.
Louisville City currently sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Inconsistent play at the beginning of the season has hampered the club from rising higher in the table. In the month of August, Louisville had been picking up steam with a combined record of 4-0-1 in their last five matches.
Players to Watch
The Riverhounds will be looking to limit the potency of Louisville City’s most dangerous weapon, midfielder Magnus Rasmussen. Rasmussen leads Louisville City FC with 10 goals on 51 shots in 24 total appearances. Look for the Hounds to also seek out forward Luke Spencer, who is second on the team with seven goals and 35 total shots.
Defensively, Paco Craig has been the most effective player for the club. Craig leads Louisville City in clearances, blocks and interceptions this season. If Pittsburgh looks to be successful in front of the net, limiting Craig and other Louisville City defenders will be an integral part of the Hounds’ game plan.
Strength: Championship Pedigree
With being the back-to-back defending USL Cup champions, Louisville City FC comes to the Steel City with championship pedigree and playoff experience. Louisville understands what is needed to make a serious playoff push with the end of the regular season within sight.
Weakness: Conversion Rate
Louisville has been unable to successfully convert on its scoring chances this season. It currently has a conversion rate of 11 percent which ranks as the lowest mark in the Eastern Conference and second lowest in all of the USL Championship.
