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The Hounds look to get back in the win column following a 2-2 draw against FC Cincinnati, facing expansion side Atlanta United 2 at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 28 at Highmark Stadium.

Kicking off its inaugural season in the USL, Atlanta United 2 sits 10th in the East, most recently picking up its first loss of the season last night against Charleston. The Atlanta United B-side holds a record currently at 1-1-3 with the loss against the Battery snapping a stretch of three consecutive draws. Atlanta’s lone victory – a 3-1 defeat of New York Red Bulls II – came on March 23.  

Young success for Atlanta has helped them to moderate success so far this season. All six of the club’s goals this season have been scored by players under the age of 22, including Notre Dame product Jon Gallagher, who has accounted for half of Atlanta’s scoring output. In the club’s first match and only win, the forward scored twice to help Atlanta earn three points against New York.

Strengths

Staying disciplined: In the first four matches, Atlanta United 2 has been extremely disciplined on the field committing only 51 fouls – the lowest total in the entire league. In addition, the club has received only two yellow cards to date.

Cashing in: United 2 has done well to convert its chances so far this season, rocking an Eastern Conference-best 18.9 percent conversion rate. In total, the club has notched seven tallies on 12 shots on frame.

Weaknesses

Producing volume: Despite the success in converting, Atlanta has struggled to produce to volume, as its 56 shots overall rank 25th in the entire league.

Keeping the ball out of the net: Though early, Atlanta is one of four remaining teams in the USL yet to record a clean sheet. Thanks in large part to a 3-nil defeat against Charleston, the club’s eight goals allowed is tied for third-most in the East.  

Riverhounds SC (2-0-3) struck twice on the road at FC Cincinnati (2-1-2) this past Saturday en route to a 2-2 draw against the Eastern Conference foe. Pittsburgh found its offensive firepower from candidates who were rather new to the score sheet. As the Hounds captured a point at Nippert Stadium, here’s how both Jordan Dover and Thomas Vancaeyezeele netted their first professional goals.

6’ – Jordan Dover

From the defensive third to the offensive third, Vancaeyezeele booted a long ball for Neco Brett. The forward could not catch up to the ball, as FC Cincinnati defender Forrest Lasso used his 6-foot-5-inch frame to head it from potential danger – or at least so he thought.

Flying down the right side of the field, Dover swiped the ball away from Cincinnati. He then bolted into the 18-yard box.

In the above depiction, three FC Cincinnati defenders collapse on Dover (yellow arrow). The Ajax, Ontario native senses the pressure and elects to shoot the ball. With a lane between the middle and left foes (from Dover’s perspective), he sends the ball through this gap at the far post. Goalkeeper Evan Newton, who is stationed at the near post, attempts to save the shot, but can only get a hand on it, as he cannot make up the distance across the goalmouth in time.

The keeper’s mitt could only slow the ball, as the sphere ultimately crossed the goal line to give Dover his first career professional goal and the Hounds a 1-0 lead.

73’ – Thomas Vancaeyezeele assisted by Kenardo Forbes

Throughout his career, Kenardo Forbes has catalyzed teams with his offensive creativity. So when the midfielder dribbled into the penalty area, it was no surprise to see him shake FC Cincinnati’s Kenney Walker off the ball.

Seen above, Forbes (yellow arrow) turns toward the field after making his move along the end line. He immediately catches an open Vancaeyezeele (orange arrow), who is planted at the edge of the 18-yard box. Justin Hoyte (red arrow) does not cover Vancaeyezeele and instead jogs toward Forbes. As a result, Vancaeyezeele runs free into the box, fields the pass from Forbes and one-times a shot into the bottom-right corner of the goal.

Like Dover’s tally earlier, this was Vancaeyezeele’s first professional goal, which gave the Hounds a 2-1 advantage at the time.

The Other Side

FC Cincinnati used possession and a 77.9 percent passing accuracy to power its offensive attack. Over the course of the match, the club registered 16 open play crosses and 13 shots. To exemplify the team’s success at working meticulously, 10 of these shots – including both of its goals – were taken from inside the box.

In the 59th minute, Cincinnati’s aggressive attack jumped on a faulty Pittsburgh clearance. Corben Bone collected the ball at the top of the arc before stringing a pass to Danni Konig, who proceeded to score his first goal of the season and knot the score at 1-1.

Later in the 78th minute, Cincinnati collected another Pittsburgh clearance attempt. This time retrieving the ball inside the penalty area, Walker one-timed a shot from just beyond the penalty dot for the team’s second tally of the match, tying the score at 2-2.

Tale of the Tape

The Hounds could muster only two shots on goal against FC Cincinnati this past weekend, but the club made the most of its opportunities as both of these tries found their way into the back of the net. Pittsburgh did not rely largely on one athlete for its offensive output, as four different players combined for the team’s four chances created, which includes Forbes’ assist.

On the other hand, FC Cincinnati used consistent possession that led to its 12 chances created. For both times the club broke down the Hounds defense for goals, it took advantage of missed clearance attempts that could not advance out of Pittsburgh’s defensive third.

While a home crowd of more than 24,000 people fueled FC Cincinnati to winning the possession battle (64 percent possession), Riverhounds SC made the most of its time with the ball to come away with one point on the road.

Typically preventing offensive breaks, Tobi Adewole found himself on one late in the second half during last week’s match against Ottawa Fury FC.

Already in the offensive third due to a recent corner kick opportunity, Adewole bolted into the 18-yard box and stationed himself directly in front of the goal line. So when Kevin Kerr sent a ball in his direction, the defender was more than ready to lunge by an opposing player and poke the ball into the back of the net.

“The No. 1 thing I was thinking was attack the ball,” Adewole said. “Be dangerous in the box cause I have size. Got to contribute to the team anyway I can. Keeping shutouts is one thing, but getting a goal is another thing, which I’m blessed to get.”

The Ashton, Maryland native’s first professional goal became the game-winner for Riverhounds SC in its 1-0 victory against Ottawa. Pittsburgh (2-0-2) now turns its focus to FC Cincinnati (2-1-1), as the two teams will clash at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Nippert Stadium.

With his tally last time out, the center back has scored more goals than the Hounds have allowed this year – an impressive feat for a defender, especially heading into the fifth game of the season.

Another remarkable accomplishment the George Washington University product has under his belt is having started all 19 career appearances he has made for the Hounds since he began his professional career with the club in 2017. Pittsburgh has recorded a clean sheet in seven, or more than one-third, of his games played.

“Decision making on the ball,” Adewole said about an area of his game he’s improved on from his rookie campaign. “Just knowing when to kick it versus when to keep the ball. Communication, which was big last year, and I’m trying to get that even bigger in my game this year.”

As he works to perfect these qualities of his game, Adewole has shown notable signs of improving his leadership qualities. His consistent play and work ethic has led him to play every minute of the 2018 season thus far – something only two other Hounds have accomplished (defender Ray Lee and midfielder Thomas Vancaeyezeele). He also is tied for the team lead with eight interceptions and is second on the club with 22 clearances on the season.

With FC Cincinnati looming on the schedule, Adewole and the backline look to lock down yet another offense. The Hounds’ current streak of four straight shutouts to start 2018 is their longest such streak in club history during the current era of the USL (since 2011).

Adewole said the team is working on keeping its shape on the field to help prevent and generate better runs heading into its showdown with FC Cincinnati at the imposing Nippert Stadium.

Despite the hostile environment, the defender, as well as the entire club, will be up for the challenge.

“Every day is a battle on and off the field,” Adewole said. “Not getting complacent. Playing every game like it’s my last. Playing every practice like it’s my last.”

Upon defeating Ottawa Fury FC 1-0 last week, Riverhounds SC finished its three-game home stand unbeaten. Pittsburgh (2-0-2) now readies for a road trip to FC Cincinnati (2-1-1) for a showdown at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Nippert Stadium. The game will be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW.

Unconquered Territory

Since FC Cincinnati entered the league in 2016, the Hounds have not yet won a game at Nippert Stadium. The Black and Gold was close to beating Cincinnati during its last road trip, tying the club 1-1 after the Eastern Conference foe tallied a late second-half goal to draw even. Currently holding a 0-1-1 all-time road record at Cincinnati, Pittsburgh heads into the match on Saturday looking to steal three points for the first time.

Nil

Dating back to last year, Riverhounds SC has logged an active streak of 441 shutout minutes. With four straight clean sheets to begin 2018, the success defensively has been a complete team effort. Pittsburgh has smothered each opponent this season, allowing 1.25 shots on goal per game. The Black and Gold will look to keep the streak alive against FC Cincinnati this weekend.

Just Winging It

On the wings of the midfield, Kevin Kerr and Christiano François have wrecked havoc on opposing defenses this season. Kerr leads the team with 10 chances created, and François is tied for second on the club with four key passes. Combining for three points on the season, the duo figures to help head the attack this weekend.

With Tobi Adewole’s game-winning goal last time out against Ottawa Fury FC, 138 different players have now recorded at least one goal in club history. This season, Neco Brett, François and Adewole have combined for all of the team’s tallies. None of these three had scored a goal for Pittsburgh before this campaign.

For the first time this season, the Hounds recorded a possession percentage of at least 60 percent last time out against Ottawa Fury FC. Continuing good possession habits will be imperative on the road this week against FC Cincinnati.

After its last three matches being played at home, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will hit the road and travel to Nippert Stadium this weekend to face FC Cincinnati at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Dating back to 2016, the Orange and Blue have a 3-0-2 record against the Hounds.

With seven points in its first four matches, this season is FC Cincinnati’s best start in club history. Cincinnati is currently ranked seventh in the Eastern Conference, only two spots behind the Hounds. So far, the club is 2-1-1, defeating the Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven by one goal apiece in its first two games.

Midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma has been a key player offensively for Cincinnati. Ledesma leads the team in scoring opportunities, creating six chances – one of which came last time out against Bethlehem Steel FC. Against Indy Eleven, Ledesma earned the team’s lone assist in the match. He is currently tied with Emery Welshman for the team high in the statistic this season.

Strengths

Battling: FC Cincinnati has done well battling for the ball, winning 62 percent of tackles and 59 percent of aerial duels. The ability to win back the ball has resulted in a season average of 52 percent possession.

Goalkeeping: In net, Evan Newton has had a strong start to the season saving 13 of the 15 shots he has faced while earning two clean sheets in four starts.

Weaknesses

Converting: Cincinnati’s offense has been middle of the pack to date in offensive pressure, with only 13 of its 38 shots taken being on target. The club’s conversion rate has been even lower, as the eight percent clip ranks third-to-last in the entire league and its three goals scored is the lowest total in the Eastern Conference.