It’s a busy week for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (10-3-8), as it faces both New York Red Bulls II (14-4-5) and North Carolina FC (11-5-7). The Hounds did beat both clubs at Highmark Stadium earlier this season, and will look for similar results this week to gain valuable ground in the Eastern Conference standings. 

New York Red Bulls II

Can’t Stop Stroud

With 10 goals on the year, midfielder Jared Stroud is tied for the club lead in the category. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of New York’s most dangerous offensive weapons, and holds an 18.5 percent conversion rate on shots taken this season. Stroud put the icing on the cake in last weekend’s 5-1 win over Hartford Athletic, as he netted a goal in the 82nd minute. 

Steevan Strikes

In Pittsburgh’s 3-0 win over New York Red Bulls II, Steeven Dos Santos found the back of the net in the 51st minute. The striker did not see action in the club’s last outing, and should be fully rested for Wednesday’s contest against the Red Bulls II. 

Dos Santos has already notched six goals in the 2019 campaign, and the Black and Gold will rely heavily on that offensive production this week.

North Carolina FC

Playoff Positioning

Saturday’s match has the chance to make a major mark on the Eastern Conference leaderboard. Heading into Wednesday night’s contest against Red Bulls II, the Hounds are just two points behind North Carolina FC for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. 

Regardless of what the club does on Wednesday night in New York, Saturday’s match holds weight, and is a chance for the Black and Gold to jump in the standings. 

Carolina Heat

North Carolina FC has been dominant at home this year. North Carolina has a 6-1-4 record at WakeMed Soccer Park this season, with its only loss coming to Indy Eleven earlier this month. 

The Riverhounds have struggled in road games at times throughout the year, so Saturday’s match will be a tough test for the Black and Gold.

Alexander the Great

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has been a brick wall in net for North Carolina. Tambakis leads the Eastern Conference in saves (65) and has posted five clean sheets. Through 20 games, the keeper has only allowed 19 goals, with a .774 save percentage.