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Goalkeeper Kyle Morton keeping Hounds' opponents at bay

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC has won two consecutive shutout matches behind goalkeeper Kyle Morton. Morton’s recent success on the pitch has been a driving force for the Hounds’ turnaround, but he stated he doesn’t look at it that way.

“I haven’t had to do too much in the last two games,” Morton said. “The boys in front of me did a really good job in the last two games, in Atlanta and then against the Red Bulls.”

Over the course of these two games, Morton has made seven saves. Five of these stops came last time out against New York Red Bulls II, including a great stop on a second-half rocket shot.

“As a team, I thought we played pretty well,” Morton said. “It was probably one of our best performances of the year. In the first 20 minutes when they played really well, we were able to shut them down, not giving them too many clearcut chances and I thought it was a really good performance.”

This consistency is something goalkeeping coach and former Hound Hunter Gilstrap has hoped to instill this season. Gilstrap mentioned the ultimate goal in teaching some of the younger Riverhounds goalkeepers is to find a consistent approach in their own game and concentrate mentally on being better for themselves.

Morton had a rocky start to begin the season, allowing a couple goals in each of his first couple appearances after injury derailed his campaign last season. Gilstrap was not concerned with the past, instead looking to the future to assist Morton in improving his game.

“I think he gave up a couple of goals in his first couple games that he felt he should’ve saved, and we felt he should’ve saved,” Gilstrap said. “He had to put his head down, go to work and focus on his performance and being consistent every day, and he did that. Because of that, he’s been sharp in training and that sharpness has translated over into the games. Now the challenge becomes staying on him.”

The challenge continues this Saturday night against Birmingham Legion FC at Highmark Stadium. Birmingham has not won a USL Championship match since April 27, most recently losing to Indy Eleven 3-0 this past Wednesday. If Morton is in the starting lineup, it will be an opportunity for the goalkeeper to prove himself once again.

“We just need to keep playing together,” Morton said. “I think these last two games we’ve really come in and have just been focused on the opponent and not let anything slip. Our concentration has been really good.”

This marks the second match of a three-game homestand at a time where the Riverhounds are playing some of their best soccer all season thus far. Riverhounds SC takes on Birmingham Legion FC at 7 p.m. this Saturday night at Highmark Stadium. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+.

RDA Weekend Recap – 6/27

One Riverhounds Development Academy team is stretching their season as long as possible.

The 2005 Girls brought home the championship from U.S. Club Soccer’s Southeast Regional at BB&T Park in Bermuda Run, N.C., qualifying themselves for the National Cup which begins July 19 in Commerce City, Colo.

They were one of seven RDA teams to compete in the US Club Soccer event that ran June 22-25, while two other girls teams were set to compete beginning June 27 in the ECNL playoffs in San Diego.

The 05 Girls left no doubt they were the class of their group, outscoring opponents by a 23-1 margin — including a hat trick by Sophia Spatafore and a four-goal game by team newcomer Ava Boyd — in three wins to top the table and reach the final.

But once they were in the championship game, the team showed it could win the close ones, too. Alexis Tylenda‘s first-half goal stood up until the end, and the Hounds celebrated a 1-0 win over Gwinett Soccer Academy (Ga.). Like their younger counterparts, the 04 Girls also marched to their age group’s final with a 3-0 record in group play, but their championship game turned out to be a rematch with Catawba Valley (N.C.), who the Hounds beat 2-1 in their opening game.

That goal in the opening match would be the only one the 04 Girls conceded during the tournament but the Hounds couldn’t break down a compact defense in the final despite controlling possession, and the match headed to penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw. Catawba Valley came out on top in the shootout, 3-0, and the Hounds settled for the runner-up spot.

Also advancing out of their division’s group stage were the 04 Boys, who won their final group stage game 5-2 over Global Premier Soccer Charleston (S.C.) and qualified on the third tiebreaker — most goals scored (10) — as their 1-1-1 record and +2 goal difference were tied. The Hounds faced top-seeded GPS Upstate (S.C.) in their semifinal, but they couldn’t find the net in a 2-0 defeat.

Tuesday, June 25

At the US Club Soccer Southeast Regional in Bermuda Run, North Carolina:

• The 05 Girls are the US Club Soccer U-14 Southeast Regional champions after defeating Gwinett Soccer Academy (Ga.), 1-0. Alexis Tylenda scored the lone goal in the first half of the match, a physical contest that was closely contested throughout. Next up for the RDA girls is the National Cup next month.

• Goals were not to be found in the 04 Girls final, as the Hounds and Catawba Valley (N.C.) went the distance in a scoreless draw. It was the Carolinians who took home the trophy, however, as Catawba Valley triumphed on penalties, 3-0.

Monday, June 24

At the US Club Soccer Southeast Regional in Bermuda Run, North Carolina:

• Make it 2-for-2 for the RDA girls teams winning their group, as the 04 Girls clinched a title game spot with seven players scoring in a lopsided 9-0 win over Jordan Lake FC (N.C.). Tomorrow’s final will be a rematch against Catawba Valley, who the 04 Girls beat 2-1 on the opening day of the tournament.

• The 05 Girls emphatically prepped for their spot in tomorrow’s final with a 10-0 win over Imago Dei (N.C.) to go 3-0 and top their group. Sophia Spatafore had a hat trick for the RDA girls, who will face Gwinett Soccer Academy (Ga.) in the championship game.

• The 04 Boys worked their way into their division’s semifinals as a second-place team with a 5-2 win over GPS Charleston(S.C.) during the morning. Their +2 goal difference and 10 goals scored ranked them the highest of four teams with 1-1-1 records, advancing the Hounds to face top-seeded GPS Upstate (S.C.) in the evening semifinals. The RDA boys battled in their second match Monday, but Upstate kept their perfect defensive record for the tournament intact and advanced, 2-0.

• The 03 Boys saw their shot at advancing to the final vanish with a 2-0 loss to GPS Charleston, while the 05 Boys closed out play with a narrow, 3-2 loss to Dynamo Juniors (La.). The 06 Boys also fell by a 3-2 score to Wake FC, and the 02 Boys suffered their third straight one-goal defeat, 1-0, to old Hounds Pro Team nemesis Charlotte Eagles.

Sunday, June 23

At the US Club Soccer Southeast Regional in Bermuda Run, North Carolina:

• The first RDA team to clinch a spot in a final are the 05 Girls, who romped to an 8-0 win over Carolina Rapids Select (N.C.) behind four goals by Ava Boyd. With head-to-head wins over both teams on 3 points, the Hounds will advance to Tuesday’s title game regardless of Monday’s results.

• The 04 Girls won their second straight with a 3-0 victory over GSA North Elite (Ga.). Mary Kate Lape, Audrey Bianco and Kendall Walton scored goals, and Emma Van Meter and Maggie Pappas combined for the clean sheet in net for the RDA. The win means the 04 Girls need only a draw in their final match Monday to win their group and reach the final.

• Liam Donohue scored for the second straight day, and Oliver Daboo also found the net to give the 05 Boys a 2-0 win over Barça Academy Charlotte in their second game of the day. Earlier, Alex Hauskrecht had the lone goal in a 1-1 draw against GPS Carolina Elite Charlotte, bringing the team’s record on the weekend to 1-1-1 and giving them a chance to take the top spot with a win Monday and favorable results in the last day’s other matches.

• Gabe Norris and Sean Ahia scored to help the 03 Boys bounce back from an opening loss with a 2-1 win over GPS Carolina Elite (N.C.). The team can still reach the final with a win Monday, a loss by North Carolina’s Wake FC and overturning a five-goal margin in goal difference.

• The 06 Boys defended well and worked through a 0-0 stalemate with N.C. side FC Athletico, keeping alive the possibility of a second-place finish in their group.

• The 04 Boys suffered a 4-3 setback in their second match against the S.C. United Bantams. Bubby Towns, Johnny Dragisich and Cayden Carpenter netted the goals for the Hounds.

• It was a second narrow loss in as many days for the 02 Boys, who fell 2-0 to Premier UK Elite (N.C.).

Saturday, June 22

At the US Club Soccer Southeast Regional in Bermuda Run, North Carolina:

• Kendall Walton and Leah Kern scored for the 04 Girls in a 2-1 afternoon win over Catawba Valley (N.C.).

• Ava Boyd scored twice in her first match for the RDA, Alexis Tylenda had two goals, and Fiona Mahan also scored for the 05 Girls, who raced to a 5-1 win over GPS Eastern N.C. with a dominant second half after leading just 1-0 at the break.

• Ben Feinstein and Marshall Richter scored for the 04 Boys, who opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against USA Mt. Pleasant (S.C.).

• Liam Donohue scored for the 05 Boys, but it wasn’t enough in a 2-1 loss to Wake FC (N.C.) in the first match of the day.

• The 02 Boys suffered a 3-2 setback at the feet of Global Premier Soccer Charleston (S.C.), while the 06 Boys got goals from JJ Simms and JJ Vozar but still fell 4-2 against another GPS Charleston side.

Riverhounds SC presents donation of more than $15,000 to Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (June 26, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC presented a donation exceeding $15,000 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh today.

This donation follows the tragic events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. In light of these events, Riverhounds SC held a “Peace on the Pitch” fundraiser in November, having local communities come together for a day of soccer on Highmark Stadium’s field.

“We would like to thank our Pittsburgh communities for uniting for a greater cause to help those in a time of need,” Riverhounds SC General Manager Kevin Johnston said. “We hope this donation may provide help to those affected by our city’s tragedy.”

“We want to thank the Riverhounds organization for pulling together lovers of soccer to show solidarity with our Jewish community in our time of need,” said Jeff Finkelstein, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “This once again shows we are stronger than hate.”

For more information about the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, please visit its website at jewishpgh.org.

What2Watch4: Birmingham – 6/29

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-2-7) looks to grab its third consecutive win this weekend, hosting Birmingham Legion FC (3-8-4) at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

Birmingham Blues

The club’s last five matches have been rough for Birmingham. Legion FC is 0-4-1 during that timespan, while being outscored by a total of 12-4. Birmingham did manage to earn a 2-2 draw against Hartford Athletic last weekend, but is still trying to pull itself out of the slump.

Can’t Stop Steevan

Hounds’ striker Steevan Dos Santos has found the back of the net in both of the club’s most recent games. The striker has created scoring opportunities as well, connecting with Neco Brett to notch assists in both of those matches.

So far this season, Riverhounds SC is 3-0 when Dos Santos has scored.

Steel Curtain

The Black and Gold’s defensive unit has been unbreakable of late. The efforts of Tobi Adewole, Joe Greenspan, Ryan James, and Thomas Vancaeyezeele have resulted in consecutive clean sheets. The backline looks to continue its dominance again this weekend against a Birmingham team that has struggled to put goals on the board.

By the Numbers: 1

This Saturday’s contest will mark the first-ever matchup between Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Birmingham Legion FC.

Key to Victory: Keep the Ball Rolling

For Riverhounds SC, the match with Birmingham may not have come at a better time. The Black and Gold are in the midst of their most successful stretch of the season, and Birmingham hasn’t been able to create any sort of rhythm as of late.

If the Hounds can come out with the same energy and aggression that they did last weekend against New York Red Bulls II, a victory could be likely.

Opposition Report: Birmingham – 6/29

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-2-7) will take on Birmingham Legion FC (3-8-4) at 7 p.m. this upcoming Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Riverhounds come into Saturday night riding a two-game winning streak after a 3-0 victory against New York Red Bulls II last Saturday. Legion FC will have a quick turnaround this week, first playing Indy Eleven this Wednesday in Indianapolis.

The Season So Far

Birmingham Legion FC has had an inconsistent season thus far in USL Championship action. Birmingham collected points in four of its first six matches, securing three victories during the stretch. However, since its initial early season success, Birmingham has had difficulty earning points on the pitch. Legion FC has not won a league match since April 27, earning only a single point in USL Championship action in the month of June.

Legion FC has been more successful on the road compared to at home, securing points in four matches on the road compared to three at home.

Players to Watch

Birmingham forward Chandler Hoffman is the No. 1 player the Hounds backline should be concerned with going into Saturday night. Hoffman leads Legion FC in chances created and is tied for the team lead in goals and total shots.

Midfielder Mikey Lopez has been effective on the defensive end for Birmingham, leading the team in tackles with 42 and tackles won with 26. Lopez also is second on the team with 22 total interceptions this season. Defender Mathieu Laurent is another player to watch out for as he leads Birmingham with 42 total clearances on the year, eight more than the next closest Legion FC player.

Strength – Inside the Box

Legion FC has been effective with scoring chances within the 18-yard-box this season. Of the 14 goals scored this season by Birmingham, nine have been within the 18-yard box.

Weakness – Goal Production

The biggest issue with Birmingham Legion FC comes in the goal department. Legion FC currently ranks second to last in goals scored in the Eastern Conference with 13 total tallies. Hoffman and Prosper Kasim are the only players who have scored three or more goals for Birmingham this season.

Goal Breakdown: New York 6/22

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-2-7) continued its torrid offensive pace, defeating New York Red Bulls II (9-4-2), 3-0, on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds have now scored eight goals in their past two games. Here is how the Black and Gold got on the scoreboard this past weekend.

40’ Neco Brett assisted by Steevan Dos Santos

Neco Brett was ready, and it did not go unnoticed by Steevan Dos Santos.

Seen above, Dos Santos (yellow arrow) spots a streaking Brett (green arrow) and then hits him with a through-ball that rolls into the New York defensive third. When Brett obtains possession, he is quick to observe New York goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu off his line and far from the goalmouth.

As Nuhu finds himself in no man’s land, the Kingston, Jamaica native lofts the ball up and over to give the Black and Gold a 1-0 lead.

51’ Steevan Dos Santos assisted by Kenardo Forbes

When Kenardo Forbes launched a corner kick into the 18-yard box, he had a large target at his disposal.

With the ball descending, Dos Santos (green arrow) breaks free of one defender to an open patch of space closer to the end line. Then he uses his 6-foot-4-inch frame to his advantage, heading the ball past Nuhu to give the Hounds a two-goal cushion.

58’ Thomas Vancaeyezeele

The Hounds struck on another corner kick just seven minutes later.

Almost resembling the first set piece, Dos Santos (yellow arrow) once again headed an incoming ball toward the goal line. However, this time his shot attempt was blocked away. Thomas Vancaeyezeele (green arrow), aggressively fighting toward the goalmouth, positioned himself to clean up the chance, bringing the score to its 3-0 result.

Tale of the Tape

The Pittsburgh offense may have outscored New York, 3-0, on the scoreboard, but it is the defense that played a large part in obtaining three points. Going into the showdown, Red Bulls II averaged 2.21 goals per game and 18.71 total shots per match.

But on Saturday, Pittsburgh held New York to just 10 total shots in a shutout effort. Paired with a strong offensive showing, the Hounds earned three points at home.

Hounds roll past Red Bulls II, 3-0

PITTSBURGH (June 22, 2019) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (4-2-7) defeated New York Red Bulls II (9-4-2), 3-0, on Saturday night at Highmark Stadium.

Neco Brett opened the scoring with a tally in the first half, and Steevan Dos Santos and Thomas Vancaeyezeele both notched tallies in the second half. Goalkeeper Kyle Morton posted the clean sheet for the Hounds.

First Half

Red Bulls II paced the opening 15 minutes of the match, firing off three shots during that timespan.

Noah Franke set up a dangerous opportunity in the 24th minute but was unable to connect with the streaking Dos Santos and Brett, as the ball sailed through the box.

Just four minutes later, Morton shut down a Red Bulls II chance to keep the score knotted at 0-0. Morton would go on to finish the half with three total saves.

In the 40th minute, a chip shot from Brett broke the tie and gave the Hounds a 1-0 advantage. Dos Santos played a brilliant ball to the Jamaican, and Brett lofted the chance into the back of the net.

The Hounds fought off New York for the remainder of the first half and carried the lead into the break.

Second Half

The Hounds continued their initial attack from the first half, outperforming Red Bulls II offensively and on the scoreboard.

Pittsburgh came out blazing with an initial scoring opportunity in the second half. In the 51st minute, a corner kick from Kenardo Forbes set up Dos Santos with a header inside the six-yard box, extending the Riverhounds lead to 2-0.

The Riverhounds were not done quite yet, scoring in similar fashion in the 58th minute. A corner kick from Forbes set up a header from Dos Santos in the six-yard box. Instead, New York’s goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu saved the initial shot but gave up a rebound opportunity in front. Vancaeyezeele buried the rebound, pushing the Hounds lead to 3-0.

Action on the pitch became chippy as Red Bulls II midfielder Jean-Christophe Koffi committed two fouls within a three period, earning the New York player a red card. A persistent infringement in the 63rd minute and an elbowing foul in the 65th minute resulted in Koffi’s ejection from the match.

The Riverhounds attempted to play keep away from New York’s strikers for the duration of the match. With New York being a player down for the rest of the match, it was difficult for Red Bulls II to put consistent scoring chances together.

The Riverhounds ended the match being out-possessed by New York 56 percent to 44 percent but made the most of their opportunities tallying three goals on their 11 total shots.

Hound of the Match

Kyle Morton has put together two consecutive stellar performances for the Riverhounds. He has earned shutouts in back-to-back wins for Pittsburgh, collecting five total saves tonight against Red Bulls II.

Stat of the Game: 9

With Saturday night’s goal from Neco Brett, he is now only the ninth player in Riverhounds history to record 20 goals or more while playing for the Black and Gold.

What’s Next

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will be back in action at 7 p.m. next Saturday, hosting Birmingham Legion FC (3-8-3) at Highmark Stadium. This will mark Celebration of Cultures Night.

Lineups:

Riverhounds SC – Kyle Morton – Ryan James, Tobi Adewole, Joe Greenspan, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, Noah Franke – Robbie Mertz, Kenardo Forbes, Kevin Kerr (Anthony Velarde 83’) – Neco Brett (Christian Volesky 75’), Steevan Dos Santos (Mark Forrest 75’)

Subs Not Used: Austin Pack, Uchenna Uzo, Dani Rovira, Sammy Kahsai

New York Red Bulls II – Rashid Nuhu – Allen Yanes, Preston Kilwien, Jordan Scarlett, Rece Buckmaster (Edgardo Rito 78’) – Jean Koffi, Chris Lema, Kyle Zajec – Cristian Casseres (Janos Loebe 73’), Ben Mines (Sebastian Elney 78’), Jared Stroud

Subs Not Used: Miguel Silva, Sean Nealis, Amarildo de Souza

Scoring Summary:

PIT – Neco Brett 40’ (Steevan Dos Santos)

PIT – Steevan Dos Santos 51’ (Kenardo Forbes)

PIT – Thomas Vancaeyezeele 58’

Misconduct Summary:

NY – Jean Koffi 63’ (caution)

NY – Jean Koffi 65’ (caution, ejection)

NY – Kyle Zajec 90’ (caution)

Head coach Bob Lilley

On what has changed in the last two games…

“The last few teams we played send a lot of guys forward and they leave a lot of space. We’ve done a good job of finding outlets and getting in behind teams early, if they are going to take that much risk then we have to get our outlets and be aggressive you know trying to create those chances. We didn’t create a lot in the first half but I thought we found the right balls and found some balls in the box.”

About the same starting line up…

“To me it wasn’t a great first half. We were okay on some of the team tactics. We actually went over it at half time what we worked on all week because I felt like we didn’t nail it. I thought second half we were better.”

On Robbie Mertz…

“He’s getting there, he trains well. Tonight it was difficult for him at times as many players as they put around humbug he’s been good, he’s been consistent in training and in the games. Do the work but he helps our possession game.”

Forward Steevan Dos Santos

On the team’s recent play…

“It’s great when the team is winning. We knew that at the beginning [of the season] that we had some ties that we shouldn’t have had. The game before, and this game, everything came together. We scored a lot of goals, and didn’t concede goals.”

On his elevated performance in the last two games…

“I said before, sometimes the ball doesn’t want to go in. Sometimes, it starts going in. I scored last week, I scored again, I hope it continues like this.”

On his assist to Neco Brett…

“We have to see the movement of each other. I saw [Brett], he was running and there was a big gap between the defender. I just put the ball there and he scored a wonderful goal.”

On his goal…

“I ran near post and the ball came straight to my head. I just head to put my head out and direct to the goal.”

Goalkeeper Kyle Morton

On his three saves in the first half…

“They’re a good team. They’re really dynamic in the attacking third, we knew that coming in. I thought the guys, the back five and the three in the midfield did a really good job. In the first half when they had a lot of pressure, they did a really good job of keeping them at bay.”

On his recent performance…

“It’s just getting confidence back. I just feel like I’m playing like myself again, like I did last year before my surgery. The guys are giving me a lot of confidence too. They’re making it really easy for me in the last couple of games.”

On the team’s consecutive wins…

“I think we’re getting closer to where we want to be at. I think the last couple results have really showed who we are. Five goals last game, three goals tonight, two clean sheets, not giving up too many chances, I think it’s two really good team performances and we just keep building off results.”

Hounds building momentum

Kenardo Forbes sent a corner kick opportunity in toward the cage. The chance was quickly headed out by an Atlanta United 2 defender, before finding the feet of Robbie Mertz.

The midfielder launched the chance on frame, and with the help of a bounce off a defender, the ball trickled into the back of the net. All it took for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC to get on the board were four minutes.

“Guys were running in the box, I’m just there to clean things up if it comes out and stop the counter,” Mertz said. “The ball rolled out to me. All I was thinking was to try to keep it low and try to put it on net. It was on net, which was nice, because I got a little fortunate with the deflection.”

Mertz’s goal was the first of many, in what eventually was a 5-0 win over Atlanta. While the offensive eruption was a comforting sign for the club, Mertz noted that it’s important for the Black and Gold to move forward and not get too high on any win.

Even with that being said, there is a sense of momentum that the club can carry over to this weekend’s matchup with New York Red Bulls II.

“It definitely gives some confidence, especially for the guys up top like Steevan [Dos Santos], Neco [Brett], the guys scoring goals,” Mertz said. “That was good, but at the same time we have to move on just like we would from a loss.

“We need to approach the next game like it’s a completely new game. We need to be prepared for the Red Bulls after a good week of training. They’ll present new challenges, and we just have to focus up mentally and do the same thing we did last weekend.”

The offensive unit wasn’t the only group that laid a foundation to build upon in the win over Atlanta. With another shutout in the books, Pittsburgh’s backline also looks to keep its momentum alive this weekend.

“New York Red Bulls II is a big team in the league,” Thomas Vancaeyezeele said. “They score a lot of goals, they beat every big team in the league. We’ll look to keep the clean sheet again and to get another win. We’ll try to build up from Atlanta’s game and we look forward to it.”

Saturday’s match marks the first of three consecutive home games for the Hounds. Coming off of a bit of a hectic travel slate, the club is excited to be back in Pittsburgh.

There’s always a sense of comfort that comes with playing games at home, and the Black and Gold look to keep their success alive on their own turf.

“You get tired when you travel a lot,” Vancaeyezeele said. “It will be good to play in front of a crowd at home, in front of our fans. I’m looking forward to that this week.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s match against New York Red Bulls II is set for 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. New York, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, will be a strong test for the Black and Gold.

Though, if they come out with the same energy and aggression that they did last weekend, Mertz is confident the team can find success.

“From the first whistle, the mentality has to be good,” Mertz said. “We pressed the ball high up the field and got ourselves out to a lead. It’s just that mentality from the start of the game. Obviously it has to be there all 90 minutes, but the beginning of the game is just as important.”

What2Watch4: New York – 6/22

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (3-2-7) kicks off a three-game homestand at 7 p.m. this Saturday, hosting the New York Red Bulls II (9-3-2) at Highmark Stadium.

New York ranks second on the Eastern Conference leaderboard with 29 points. The club carries a three-game winning streak into Saturday’s match.

Bulls on Parade

New York Red Bulls II brings in a loaded arsenal of offensive weapons. The club leads the Eastern Conference in shots (262) and in goals (31). New York has put up a combined eight goals in its last three games, and Pittsburgh’s defenders will have their hands full on Saturday when trying to slow them down.

Brilliant Brett

Pittsburgh forward Neco Brett is on a roll, and is finding the back of the net with ease of late. The 27-year-old has converted opportunities in both of the club’s most recent USL Championship matches. With four tallies on the season, Brett is currently tied for the team lead in goals with Kevin Kerr.

Clean as a Whistle

Kyle Morton earned a clean sheet in last weekend’s 5-0 win over Atlanta United 2. The result was the first clean sheet for Morton this year but the club’s fourth overall. Ben Lundgaard and Austin Pack recorded the other three.

It is unsure which goalkeeper will man the cage for the Hounds this weekend, but the club has reason to be confident in whoever earns the starting duties.

By the Numbers: 19

Neco Brett, with 19 career goals in the Black and Gold, is one goal away from becoming the ninth Hound all-time to reach the 20-goal mark with the club.

Key to Victory: Lockdown

New York is a club that will take advantage of any and every offensive chance that it is given. Pittsburgh’s defensive core will need to put out an almost flawless effort against Red Bulls II in order to limit the opposition’s attack.

Red Bulls II’s attack is dangerous, but a strong showing from the Hounds’ backline could be enough to grab a victory on Saturday.

Opposition Report: New York – 6/22

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (3-2-7) will play New York Red Bulls II (9-3-2) at 7 p.m. this Saturday night at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds are coming off an impressive performance against Atlanta United 2, scoring five unanswered goals in a 5-0 victory last weekend. They are set to take on high-powered Red Bulls II, winner of three straight matches.

The Season So Far

New York Red Bulls II has been one of the most impressive teams in USL Championship action this season, gaining points in 11 of its 14 games. Red Bulls II currently sits second in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings with 29 total points.

Players to Watch

Midfielder Jared Stroud has been one of the constants for Red Bulls II this season. He leads New York in assists, shots and chances created. Stroud also is second on the team with five goals in 14 appearances.

Defensively for Red Bulls II, Jordan Scarlett has led the way for New York. In Scarlett’s 12 appearances with New York this season, he has been the team leader in clearances, blocks and interceptions.

Strength – Scoring Production

The strength has been on the offensive front for Red Bulls II this season. New York leads the USL Championship in total shots and ranks first in the Eastern Conference with 31 goals scored. Red Bulls II has had five players who have scored three goals or more on the year. Pittsburgh will need to defend New York’s strikes from all angles around the box.

Weakness – Accuracy

Red Bulls II may have the most shots in all of the USL Championship, but the squad currently ranks last in passing accuracy in the Eastern Conference with a 70 percent success rate. If Pittsburgh can exploit New York’s passing rhythm, the Hounds could turn the tables and create offensive chances for themselves.

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