With Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC set to face Loudoun United FC for the third time this season on Saturday, the already-clinched playoff team hopes to secure a win once again.
The team is currently on a club-record pace for goals scored per game (2.77), as well as goals allowed per game (0.62). The Hounds also lead the league with a 34 percent conversion rate and seven clean sheets.
Now, what do all of these statistics have in common?
The team boasts a mix of powerful alums and rookies who all bring different skillsets to the table.
Defender Ryan James, one veteran, is now in his second straight campaign with the Hounds and has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 10 and most recently, Week 12.
James was given the honor after scoring two goals and winning three of his four tackles in the 5-0 defeat of Hartford Athletic on Sept. 12.
“It’s nice to see him really stepping up since Kenardo [Forbes] has been out,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “He has played for me in the midfield before in Rochester. He’s a very versatile player.”
Lilley said James quickly formed relationships with teammates including Robbie Mertz, Danny Griffin and Anthony Velarde, those of which who have also stepped up.
“Ryan’s one of those players that shows up every day in practice and games,” Lilley said. “He definitely knows what he’s doing and is a big part for us.”
Other members of the Hounds who have been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week include Jordan Dover (Week 1), Mertz (Week 3, 7, 11), Kenardo Forbes (Week 4, 6), Griffin (Week 4) and Danny Vitiello (Week 9).
“I think a lot of guys have stepped up recently and some of that’s the team maturing overall,” Lilley said. “I just think our players are confident and you know we have quality players throughout the roster.”
With the Hounds 2-0-0 this season against Loudoun, they go into this match outscoring the foe, 5-0, with goals from five different players including Albert Dikwa, Steevan Dos Santos, Lukas Fernandes, Mark Forrest and Velarde.
The Fresno Pacific University product, Velarde, is also in his second campaign with the Hounds and has scored five goals this season.
“We’ve been training and driving and pushing and sweating,” Velarde said. “We’re doing everything we can to finally make the playoffs and we’ve made a statement out of it.”
With two assists and a pass success rate more than 80 percent, Velarde is yet another team player who can be seen making a difference on the field.
“I think we’re all super pumped,” Velarde said. “Everything is clicking. We’re confident. It’s a good thing for us and the club.”
