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BREAKING DOWN THE HOUNDS: Staying in the race

Riverhounds (6-8-9) vs. Saint Louis FC (7-19-5)
8:30 p.m.
World Wide Technology Soccer Park, Fenton, Mo.
USL YouTube
USL Match Center

• The Riverhounds are hoping to avoid a let down game this weekend, after a big 3-0 win at Harrisburg last Saturday I had a chance to catch up with some of the members of the team’s back line to talk about how they’ve come along this season.

• This is the second and final meeting between these two clubs this regular season, Saint Louis got the better of the result in the first match, winning 2-1 at Highmark Stadium in April. Pittsburgh has yet to capture a win against Saint Louis in three meetings all-time (0-1-2) and this will be the club’s first visit to the “Show-Me” State since 2015.

• With nine games in the next nine weeks, every game becomes important to pick up results as the Hounds can’t afford to fall any further behind in the playoff race. With a mid-week win, Orlando City B catapulted into the eighth playoff spot, with 31 points they lead the Hounds, Ottawa and NY Red Bulls II by four points in the race. St. Louis FC, coming off an exhilarating 4-3 win over Tampa Bay last Sunday, sits right behind in 12th place with 26 points.

• STLFC is 5-3-2 in league play at home; Pittsburgh is 3-3-6 away from home.

• The Hounds official team injury report only lists the players out for the season: Rich Balchan (Achilles) and Keasel Broome (Wrist). Head coach Dave Brandt also announced last week that Columbus Crew loanee, Marshall Hollingsworth is out for the season.

For more on the game, and to follow along with me, follow my @pghsoccerscribe twitter updates and visit the live game file at DK Pittsburgh Sports.  

DK

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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