PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and the Charlotte Independence are separated by just two points in second and third place in the Atlantic Division standings as they meet for the second time this season on Saturday night at Highmark Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

@RiverhoundsSC (5-4-2, 17pts) saw a three-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday night in surprising fashion as the side fell 2-1 on the road against last-placed side Loudoun United FC at Segra Field. The Hounds will be looking to bounce back on home turf as Kenardo Forbes looks to break the club record for assists he tied alongside former teammate Kevin Kerr in the side’s 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II last Saturday night. The hosts will be looking for a turnaround from the Independence’s prior visit on May 22 when Irvin Parra scored the only goal of the game before Charlotte held on for the final 25 minutes after Christian Dean was sent off for his second cautionable offense. If the Hounds are able to do so, it would keep the side solidly in second place and within reach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the top of the table.

The @Independence (5-4-0, 15pts) are also looking to rebound from defeat last time out after suffering a 2-1 loss on the road against Miami FC last Saturday night. Dane Kelly scored for the visitors at FIU Stadium, but also missed a penalty kick early in the second half before Miami grabbed victory inside the final 20 minutes. Kelly has now scored four goals this season, one ahead of Parra and Houston Dynamo FC loanee Marcelo Palomino, while USL Academy signing Blake Pope has recorded assists in each of the past two games for the side. The key for the Independence in Pittsburgh could be defensive, however, with the side having recorded four shutouts in five wins this season while having taken only one victory when it has conceded more than one goal.

FiveThirtyEight.com Match Predictor: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 45%, Charlotte Independence 27%, Draw 28%

Most Recent Lineups

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (3-4-3): Jake Leeker; Jalen Robinson, Shane Wiedt, Preston Kilwien; Danny Rovira, Todd Wharton, Daniel Griffin, Louis Perez; Russell Cicerone, Thomas Williamson, Anthony Velarde

Charlotte Independence (3-4-3): Brandon Miller; Clay Dimick, Hugh Roberts, Christian Dean; Blake Pope, Brandt Bronico, Jake Areman, Thomas de Villardi; Irvin Parra, Dane Kelly, Marcelo Palomino

Discipline

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – None

Charlotte Independence – None