PITTSBURGH – 2023 USL Championship Players’ Shield winner Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC begins its bid for the first league title in its history as it plays host to Detroit City FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (19-5-10, 67pts) – Pittsburgh put together a tremendous regular season that saw the side not only conceded the fewest goals in the regular season but also boast the Golden Boot winner in Albert Dikwa with 20 goals. Led by Head Coach Bob Lilley, the Hounds were almost unbeatable at Highmark Stadium racking up a league-best 42 points with a 13-1-3 record as they finished top of the Eastern Conference for the second time in the USL Championship era. With a deep and well-drilled squad, Pittsburgh looks on paper the team to beat this postseason.

Detroit City FC (11-15-8, 41pts) – Detroit City FC earned its second consecutive trip to the USL Championship Playoffs with a final-day draw against Pittsburgh at Keyworth Stadium, which combined with a loss for Miami FC edged Le Rouge into the playoffs on a head-to-head tiebreaker. Detroit has struggled for goals this season – the side finished last in the league with only 30 goals – but it has a solid defense led by standout goalkeeper Nathan Steinwascher, who recorded 93 saves and 11 shutouts in another stellar campaign.

All-Time Series

Pittsburgh took the only win in the series so far this year with the Hounds 1-0-3 against Le Rouge in their prior league meetings.

DraftKings Odds

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC -230, Detroit City FC +475, Draw +330

Opta Says

69 – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC created 69 Big Chances per Opta this season and scored all 46 of their goals from inside the penalty area.

7 – Detroit City FC conceded seven penalty kicks in the regular season, second-most of any team in the Championship.

Players to Watch

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Kenardo Forbes: The Jamaican has earned the nickname King Kenny on the banks of the Monongahela River for a reason. His 10 assists this campaign tied for the league-lead and his eight postseason helpers are the most in league history.

Detroit City FC – Devon Amoo-Mensah: The experienced center back was a solid part of the Detroit defense once again and could prove a threat from set pieces. Amoo-Mensah notched two goals this season.

Discipline Report

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – No suspensions

Detroit City FC – No suspensions