Ahead of this week’s matchups against Loudoun United FC and New York Red Bulls II, fans have seen some stellar performances by players on this year’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC team.
With strong goals, stealthy defending, graceful assists and teamwork, the team sits at the top of Group F with 19 points.
“We have a lot of players with good ability,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “We have two massive games coming up where we have to get the job done regardless of who’s on the field.”
While injuries and player rotation play a factor on any given match night, it is important to look at players who have shown their athletic prowess in recent games.
Here are players to look for when the Hounds kick off against Loudoun United FC at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Highmark Stadium.
Ryan James
The defender from Ontario, Canada has logged more than 800 minutes on the field this year and proves to be a strong wingback for the Hounds. Last time out, James racked up two goals against Hartford Athletic. His second tally became a SportsCenter Top 10 play and brought his season total to three goals.
Danny Griffin
Danny Griffin has been a valuable rookie asset to the Hounds in this shortened season, starting seven of the club’s 10 games thus far. The Providence College product has gathered two goals inside of the penalty box this season, as well as completed passes to teammates with an almost 80 percent pass rate. Griffin will be one to watch in the midfield in the Hounds’ remaining matchups.
Robbie Mertz
Another midfielder making strides this season is none other than the Pittsburgh native, Robbie Mertz. With four goals, the second highest among teammates, Mertz’s ability to force chances on the field is what makes his play a key factor for the team. The Upper St. Clair High School product was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for both Week 3 and Week 7.
Ropapa Mensah
The Ghana native leads the team with 16 shots this season, seven of which are shots on goal. With three goals and two assists, Ropapa Mensah is versatile in his game play, sharing the ball with midfielders and creating chances in the penalty box. Mensah’s goal from the top of the 18-yard box during the Aug. 8 matchup against New York garnered attention, as he was nominated to the USL Championship Team of the Week bench.
